County of Thonbridge

Thonnbridge refers to the area surrounding Thonbridge Crossing, a colossal bridge spanning over the Thondroril River. Throughout history, control over Thonbridge has been contested between the Kingdom of Alterac and the Kingdom of Lordaeron. Traditionally it had been under the domain of a noble house of mixed descent from either kingdoms with shifting loyalties in each generation known as House of Beckfleet. During the Third War, both Thonbridge and House of Beckfleet were destroyed by the Scourge.

History
The origins of Thonbridge, formerly known as the County of Thonbridge, root back to Arathorian Conquest of Alterac. Legend states that two houses on either side of the Thondroril River had warred with one another for generations. However, after Alterac was brought into the fold of the Empire, the two families were ordered to resolve the feud. Negotiations went quite well, each party forgetting the root of a problem. In fact, the two sole heirs of each family later married, partially by the command of the Governor. As a result, the two Houses were joined under one common House, House Beckfleet.

The newly formed House Beckfleet quickly set to using their strategic location to their advantage. Before long, a rickety, wooden toll bridge was constructed over the Thondroril to allow a northern route across the river. This structure is the foundation of what would one day become Thondroril Crossing, the now colossal bridge over the Thondroril and former seat of House of Beckfleet.

As the Empire of Arathor began to falter, and more provinces formed their own kingdoms. House of Beckfleet elected to remain neutral and swore fealty to no King. At first, either kingdom threatened to seize their lands if they did not kneel, yet with every threat, House of Beckfleet threatened to swear fealty to their opponent, which would result in a costly war if their threat was met. Thus, through shrewd diplomacy and manipulation of commerce across or up and down the Thondroril River. However, throughout history, certain lords of House of Beckfleet have tended to favor either Alterac or Lordaeron.

Over time, Thonbridge Crossing would be rebuilt or expanded upon until it eventually entered a familiar state as it stands today. An immense stone bridge crossing over the river with a keep of sorts in the center and on either side. Here toll is collected, goods traveling over are recorded and House of Beckfleet ruled their domain. Other notable features including an impressive mechanism that allowed portions on either side of the bridge in between the keeps to be lifted upwards. Either allowing a large vessel through, cutting off trade or effectively isolating the central keep.

Little matters of great importance bothered House of Beckfleet or Thonbridge, resulting in House of Beckfleet becoming a particularly small but powerful and wealthy house in a strategic position. However, this mattered little by the Third War. When the Scourge ravaged the land, Thonbridge was not spared. The Undead sieged Thonbridge Crossing eventually overcoming the defenses and ruining the Crossing. However, more than the Crossing was ruined, House of Beckfleet was terminated in the process.

Since then, Thonbridge has remained uninhabited, no one ambitious enough to take on the project of restoring the area.