The Stour

Lodden

The Lodden rises in the area to the south of East Knoyle in Wiltshire, and joins the Stour at Madjeston, Dorset, where it meets another tributary which begins below Duncliffe near Gillingham.

Ekwall suggests that the name - along with that of the Lydden - derives from the pre-Saxon 'litano-' (broad). From Ekwall's reasoning we might also apply this to the Leaden Stour.

Local artist Peter Ursem wrote the following "anecdotal little verse" about the Lodden in September 2002:

Crossing the Lodden

The Lodden: a friendly stream amidst the fields -
you'd hardly notice it was there
but for that bumpy bridge where as I'm sure
a badger lives between the trees

My sister came to stay
we climbed the hill to have a view
and see things from afar
but strolling on we went astray
and to go home but not go back
we had to cross the stream

In a small wood: some tree stump sticking out
was half a bridge - the rest
we could jump not caring getting scratched
and nettled where we landed

Never mind a friendly stream -
a crossing brings you to the other side.