Historical Essex Bridge in Great Haywood, JR Tolkien's, Lord of the Rings village. 

What a lovely place to visit.
The bridge was built in 1550 by the Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth 1st favourite. Parking in Great Haywood and then a short walk to the bridge, which takes you into Shugborough Estate. JR Tolkien's ficticious village, Tavrobel, (History of middle-earth) is supposedly based on Great Haywood. Tavrobel has a bridge where two rivers meet, the Gruir and Afros, just like the Trent and the Sow rivers meet at Essex Bridge.
Also, Staffordshire Search and Rescue volunteers were practicing in the River by the bridge. #historical #history #lordoftherings #tudor