Buttsworth Creek Bridge

Gazing at Buttsworth Creek Bridge, one can almost hear the whispers of history carried on the gentle breeze. Buttsworth Creek Bridge isn’t just a bridge. It’s a thread woven into the fabric of Wilberforce. It connects us to Henry Buttsworth, a man who journeyed from convict beginnings to become a landowner. He acquired around 115 acres on the banks of the Hawkesbury at Wilberforce in 1828. Buttsworth Creek, named in his honor, meanders through this land. It flows from Bushells Lagoon, carving a sinuous path through the farming land before finally reaching the Hawkesbury River. Buttsworth Creek Bridge stands as a testament to this history, a tangible link to the past. The creek itself plays a dramatic role in the area. During periods of heavy rain, the creek swells rapidly. The rising waters often cover the main road. This cuts off access to Windsor Bridge, a vital connection located just over four kilometers away. Imagine the community’s reliance on this small creek and its bridge, especially during these times. Close by, the impressive chimney stack of Buttsworth Mill once dominated the northern bank of Buttsworth Creek. This mill, constructed with locally quarried Hawkesbury sandstone, served as a local landmark for over seventy years. Built for Henry Buttsworth, likely by John Stephens of Ebenezer in the mid-1840s, the mill replaced an earlier timber structure from the mid-1830s. Buttsworth Creek Bridge carries with it not just the weight of traffic but the weight of generations. It whispers tales of floods, industry, and the enduring spirit of a community connected by this small but significant waterway.