Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Dartmoor, Devon
Visitors enjoy the bridge
Postbridge is a tiny settlement on Dartmoor in Devon, southwest England. The East Dart River passes through it and the B3212 passes over the stream on a picturesque stone bridge constructed in the late 18th century.
About 20 yards downstream from the road bridge however is a much, much older bridge of a type known as Clapper Bridge.
Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Dartmoor, Devon
History
A series of long, natural rock slabs are laid across small piers made of stones. These clapper bridges are found across Dartmoor, Exmoor, and other highland areas of the UK and are believed to be derived from the Saxon word cleaca which means “bridging the stepping stones”. Often thought to date back to prehistory, the one at Postbridge is believed to have been built in the 13th century.
Its slabs are more than 4 meters in length, 2 meters wide, and weigh more than 8 tons.
There are several guesthouses and a Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre very close to the bridge.
The road bridge
Access – Getting There
Yelverton
Devon PL20 6TH
Postbridge is a short drive from both Widecombe and Mortonhampstead. From Tavistock head east on the B3357.
When visiting Dartmoor or any natural wilderness area in Britain please take your rubbish home. Also please refrain from illegal camping, barbequing, and picking wild flowers on the moor.
An ancient stone circle on Dartmoor.
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