Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Medieval stone bridge in Dartmoor Forest, England
Postbridge Clapper Bridge is a medieval stone structure crossing the East Dart River with three large granite slabs resting on two central supporting piers. The design is straightforward and sturdy, built without mortar or complex techniques.
The structure was built in the 13th century to help transport tin from Dartmoor mines to processing centers. By the 1780s, a modern road bridge was constructed alongside it to handle increasing traffic.
The name comes from Anglo-Saxon language and refers to the practice of laying large flat stone slabs across water. When you walk across today, you experience the same simple crossing method that travelers have used for centuries.
The bridge is accessible year-round and located near walking paths that are easy to reach on foot. The granite surface can become slippery when wet, so take care when crossing.
Each of the three granite slabs is longer than 4 m (13 ft) and weighs about 8 tonnes, showing how medieval workers moved heavy materials. These massive stones were positioned without modern machinery and have held firm for centuries.
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