Beardown Clapper Bridge after 1890 flood

The photograph was taken on 26 July 1890 and shows the remains of Beardown Clapper Bridge after the great flood on the Cowsic river on 17 July 1890. The Clapper Bridge had previously been swept away in 1793 and replaced. After the flood of 17 July 1890 it was re-erected by the Dartmoor Preservation Society. Clapper Bridges were built on Dartmoor from about 1400 to carry packhorse trade routes over rivers and streams. The bridges consist of one or more large slabs. When several slabs were required to cross a river then stone piers were built well clear of the water. Beardown Clapper Bridge is located near Beardown Farm at Two Bridges. The bridge is about 650 yards from the junction of the Cowsic river with the West Dart River.