The beck that runs through the Wycoller valley is criss-crossed by a variety of unusual bridges and several fords. The bridge above is the Clapper bridge, which would have carried pedestrians and horses. Carts would have been pulled through the adjacent ford. It is said that the bridge once had a deeply grooved surface from the wear it had had, but that a farmer chiselled it flat after his daughter suffered a fatal accident there.
This is the oldest bridge, perhaps dating back 1000 years - the Clam bridge - made out of a single slab of stone supported at either end. It was swept away and broken by floods in 1989-90 but has since been repaired and restored.
The third bridge is the twin-arched Packhorse bridge, possibly built by Cistercian monks in the fifteenth century. The left-hand arch looks a little bit wonky but it was apparently built like that for stability, as the foundation rock on that side is not level.
Clam bridge is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful, interesting and rich places you have posted those days! I'm absolutely charmed by those old buildings, they're so moving in their own ways. ANd those bridges ,so strangely made with only one stone! Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating, Jenny! Thank you. Clapper Bridge is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteWow - super bridges indeed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, spring hasn't moved in yet apparently ! It doesn't look very green !
ReplyDeleteEach bridge built differently in a different time and for a different purpose.
ReplyDeleteLovely series of posts on Wycoller. Must go - it's only just down the road!
ReplyDeleteWhat marvellous history in these unusual bridges.
ReplyDeleteCharming old bridges and wonderful photos
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