BUILDING BRIDGES
This stunning scene from Minterne Gardens, Dorset shows Lady Eleanor’s Bridge. According to the Admiral Digby Museum, Honourable Robert Digby, then owner of the estate, had a practical interest in bridge building and so in 1790 rolled up his sleeves and built the bridge himself dedicating it to his wife.
Eleanor acquired two step-sons with her marriage, Robert Sherbourne and Robert Murray whose mother was a mistress. The Admiral, wanting to install the boy’s mother as his housekeeper, was advised by his Aunt, Mrs. Cornwallis: “I hear that you have a significant Housekeeper, which will not do. You may keep your mistress in one establishment and have a Housekeeper in your home, but if you combine the two you are forcing the poor girl to be dishonest, for she must allow for the evil day you will cast her off and therefore must cheat you with false bills.”
You can’t imagine Lady Eleanor being too enamoured by the idea either. Was there a greater force behind Admiral Digby’s apparent enthusiasm for some honest physical labour?
Minterne House and Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester DT2 7AU; 01300 341370; minterne.co.uk