Clapper Bridge at Postbridge in Devon
The small village of Postbridge, named after the old bridge, is in the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
The medieval Clapper Bridge is on an ancient route across the moors and crosses the East Dart River at Postbridge. The bridge is constructed of large granite slabs supported on stone piers.
When I visited the bridge in September 2008 it was quiet, and I was the only person there. Standing on the bridge, which is about 650 years old [1], it was easy to imagine people, and pack horses carrying wool and other goods, crossing the bridge on their journey across the moor.
The bridge has needed some maintenance and TLC (tender loving care) over the years, but it has not been spoiled and is well worth a visit.
The new road bridge, which is near the clapper bridge, was built in the late 1700s, and the road is now known as the B3212.
When I phoned the information centre at Postbridge I was told that thousands of people come to see the bridge each year. Four coach loads of tourists had already visited that day, this was at 10.30 on a May morning.
[1] information centre at Postbridge
