Posingford Bridge was built in 1907 and used to be in Ashdown forest, near to Crowborough, which provided the inspiration for children’s author AA Milne’s stories about Winnie the Pooh and the Hundred Acre wood.
The bridge was where the author played with his son Christopher Robin – a game that later became Poohsticks.
Renamed ‘Poohstick Bridge’ in 1979, it was removed from the forest in 1999 after the carved oak crossing had become worn down and degraded over years of activity.
Following restoration, the original bridge was put up for sale by sealed bids at auction last week [Thursday October 7] and was expected to fetch between £40,000 to £60,000.
It eventually sold for £131,625, including fees.
New owner Lord De La Warr, who owns Buckhurst Park estate in Withyham, East Sussex, said: “I am delighted to have been able to purchase the original bridge. It will take pride of place on the estate close to its original position.”
He added: “I hope that many children (and adults) will be able to admire the original bridge which inspired one of the most famous games still played by children in the UK and abroad – ‘Poohsticks’.”
James Rylands, specialist in charge of Summers Place Auctions that sold the bridge, added: “We were absolutely delighted that we could sell a piece of literary history which has given pleasure over the generations to millions of children around the world. We were thrilled by the interest the bridge received globally, but are pleased that the bridge will stay in this country.”
The auction coincides with the 100th year of the original Winnie the Pooh, who was given to Christopher Robin Milne as a fluffy companion on his first birthday in 1921.
