Dartmoor Clapper Bridges

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Dartmoor Clapper Bridges

Thursday 15 December 2011

A Clapper Bridge is a simple stone bridge made by setting stone blocks at intervals across a river to act as supports for a series of stone slabs laid end to end across the top.

The clapper bridge is one of Dartmoor’s best-known features. Large granite slabs (or ‘clappers’) were laid across streams or rivers; either from bank to bank or resting upon piers (or ‘posts’) in midstream.

The word clapper is said to derive from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘cleaca’ meaning ‘bridging the stepping stones’

Postbridge Clapper Bridge (SX 648 789)

This is a view of the ancient Clapper Bridge taken from the modern road bridge. The Postbridge Clapper bridge is believed to date back to the 12th century.

Teignhead Farm Clapper Bridge (SX 639 844)

This clapper bridge, once known as Teign Head Bridge, spans the North Teign river as it flows past the ruins of Teignhead Farm. The bridge was probably constructed sometime between 1808 and 1820 buy the occupant of Teginhead Farm so that pack-horses could cross.

Huntingdon Warren Clapper Bridge (SX 657 662)

Located on the South West corner of the warren, this clapper bridge was built by the Warrener to make it easier to cross the River Avon.

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