Clapper Bridge Collection

Ancient clapper bridge Tarr Steps spanning the River Barle in Exmoor, Somerset, England

Clapper Bridge, Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, England, UK

Medieval clapper bridge made of four massive granite slabs crossing the East Dart River, constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Clapper bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

The Clapper Bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge crossing the River Barle on Exmoor, Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe

MG J2s of Kennneth and Doreen Evans, Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, 1934
MG J2 1932 847 cc. Reg. No. YY1168. No: 41. Driver: Evans, K.D. Chassis No. J2193. Centre: MG J2 1932 847 cc.Reg. No. AGY339. Entry No: 42. Driver: Evans, Miss. D.B.M. Chassis No. J3280

Walla Brook Bridge, Dartmoor, c1900. Artist: Chapman & Sons
Walla Brook Bridge, Dartmoor, c1900. Walla Brook is a narrow stream that flows from Dartmoors north plateau to join the North Teign River by Teign-e-ver Clapper Bridge

Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge spanning the River Barle, Exmoor National Park, Somerset, England

Lower Slaughter MCF01_02_1089
LOWER SLAUGHTER, COTSWOLD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. A view looking east along the River Eye, showing a young boy sitting on a clapper bridge known as Up Stream Bridge with houses beyond

Frosty winter conditions at the old clapper bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, England. Winter

Ancient clapper bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England. Summer (July)

Clapper Bridge, Postbridge (colour litho)
3101527 Clapper Bridge, Postbridge (colour litho) by Haslehust, Ernest William (1866-1949); Private Collection; (add.info.: Clapper Bridge, Postbridge)

Medieval clapper bridge over the East Dart River at Postbridge on Dartmoor in Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Walla Brook Bridge, Dartmoor, c1896. Artist: Chapman & Sons
Walla Brook Bridge, Dartmoor, c1896. From Pictorial England and Wales. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, c1896]

Lea-Francis competing in the Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, 1934
Lea-Francis Event Entry No: 28. Place: Tarr Steps Exmoor. Mid-Surrey A.C. Barnstaple Trial. Date: 3/4.8.34

MG J2 and MG D type at the Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, 1934
Left: MG J2 1933 847 cc. Reg. No. OC1741. No: 17. Chassis No. J3371. Cycle winged J2. Right: MG D 1931 847 cc. Reg. No. JO3333. No: 11. Standard open 4-seater. Chassis No. D0274. Tarr Steps Exmoor

Singer Le Mans and MG D type at the Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, 1934
Centre: Singer Le Mans. 1933 972 cc. Reg. No. AKX230. No: 23. Non-standard headlamps. Right: MG D 1931 847 cc. Reg. No. JO3333. No: 11. Standard open 4-seater. Chassis No. D0274. Mid-Surrey A.C

Singer 9 coupe competing in the Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, 1934
Singer 9 Coup+ 1933 972 cc. Vehicle Reg. No. OD9567. Place: Tarr Steps Exmoor. Mid-Surrey A.C. Barnstaple Trial. Date: 3/4.8.34

Triumph competing in the Mid Surrey AC Barnstaple Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Somerset, 1934
Triumph 1933 Vehicle Reg. No. AGW6. Event Entry No: 18. Place: Tarr Steps Exmoor. Mid-Surrey A.C. Barnstaple Trial. Date: 3/4.8.34

Morris Minor and officials Riley Monaco, Mid Surrey AC Trial, Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Somerset, 1934
Morris Minor 847 cc. Reg. No. AYF395. Entry No: 7. Open 2-seater. Right: Riley Monaco saloon 1932 1089 cc. Reg. No. JO4473. An Officials car. Tarr Steps Exmoor. Mid-Surrey A.C. Barnstaple Trial

Tarr Steps, across the River Barle in Exmoor, Somerset, 1937. Prehistoric clapper bridge near Dulverton, dating from c1000 BC. The largest slab is over 8 feet long and is about 5 feet wide

Clapper Bridge, 14th century
Clapper Bridge over East Dart River at Postbridge, Devon. It was built to facilitate the transportation of Dartmoor tin by pack horses to the stannary town of Tavistock, 14th century

CWN08821077
The ancient clapper bridge Tarr Steps crossing the River Barle in Exmoor National Park

Clapper Bridge, mid span missing, and Dart Bridge, Belever Forest, near Postbridge, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Traditional clapper bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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The clapper bridge, a fascinating piece of ancient engineering, can be found in various locations across England. One such example is the Tarr Steps, an impressive structure spanning the River Barle in Exmoor, Somerset. Its massive granite slabs create a medieval masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Another notable they are be found at Postbridge in Dartmoor National Park, Devon. This picturesque location offers a stunning view of the bridge as it gracefully crosses over the flowing river. In winter, when frosty conditions prevail, this scene becomes even more enchanting. Walla Brook Bridge in Dartmoor is another gem from days gone by. Dating back to around 1900 and designed by Chapman & Sons, this clapper bridge showcases both artistry and functionality. These clapper bridges serve as reminders of our ancestors' ingenuity and resourcefulness. Made from massive granite slabs or other durable materials, they have withstood centuries of use and weathering. Visiting these historic sites allows us to step back in time and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in their construction. Whether you explore Exmoor National Park's Tarr Steps or venture into Dartmoor's Postbridge area, you will find yourself immersed in history while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. So next time you find yourself near one of these remarkable structures – whether it's Lower Slaughter or any other location – take a moment to admire their timeless appeal. These they are not just functional crossings; they are living testaments to human innovation throughout the ages.