Stopham Bridge, 2 miles west of Pulborough, West Sussex, is on the site of a former ford across the River Arun just east of where the River Rother finally meets with the Arun. The bridge was originally constructed in wood in 1309 as a replacement for the Eastover Ferry which was owned by John Stopham. The earliest stone bridge - possibly with a wooden drawbridge - was constructed in 1442. The bridge has had a chequered history over the centuries, periodically being allowed to fall into ruin and decay followed by repair and reconstruction. In 1757 the road to Petworth became a turnpike. The original six arches are 11ft 9in spans, with a central arch of 12ft 9in span. This was heightened by 5ft in 1822 to provide extra clearance for vessels using the Arun navigation & Wey & Arun Canal. In 1865, the western end was re-aligned to give a better approach to Stopham House.