Tarr Steps

The Tarr Steps is a clapper bridge that spans the River Barle in Somerset, England's Exmoor National Park. They are situated in a national park 6 kilometers (km) north of Dulverton and 4 kilometers (km) south of Withypool. The bridge's listing rates its construction as a conventional clapper bridge and dates it to the Middle Ages. Each of the stone slabs could weigh up to two tons. The 55 m-long bridge has 17 spans. It is a grade I listed building and scheduled monument, according to English Heritage.

Stacks of stones are covered with large slabs to create a "clapper bridge". There is no need for cement, mortar, or further design work. Long before they were aware of the use of stone arches or cementing techniques, people were able to construct bridges over fords and shallow streams using this approach.

Despite a few instances of damage throughout the years, the bridge has always been successfully repaired. Heavy debris has been swept down the river by storms with a lot of rain. The large slabs were eventually moved by this, washing them downstream.

The middle section washed away during the winter of 1941–1942 due to floods. The bridge was completely reconstructed by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society and the Royal Engineers in 1952, and the restoration appears to be accurate. In 2012, 2016, and again in 2017, further harm was done. In order to lessen the amount of debris that reaches the bridge, steel cables have been placed upriver.

Location: Exmoor National Park, Somerset