Summary

A Cornish C16 multi-span bridge on the site of an earlier medieval clapper bridge, partly rebuilt and adapted in the C19 and later.

Description

A C16 multi-span bridge over the River Lynher, possibly incorporating the earlier medieval clapper bridge on the site, and partly rebuilt, possibly in the C19.

MATERIALS: stone rubble and moorstone.

PLAN: constructed on a north-east/ south-west orientation across the River Lynher. Elements of the original clapper bridge structure, built from large slabs of stone, may still be contained within and below the structure of the present multi-span bridge.

DESCRIPTION: the bridge has three round arches of 2m and 3m span with dressed stone and granite voussoirs with granite keystones. A string-course highlights the line, called the impost, where each arch springs from the piers and abutments. The imposts and structure below may date to the earlier clapper bridge. The cutwaters between, partly of granite, continued up to form angled refuges on the north-west side. The cutwaters on south-east side are partly replaced with buttresses. There is a fourth span of possible C19 date at the south end, with a granite lintel. The stone rubble parapets have chamfered granite copings with iron cramps, and are splayed over the abutments. A C19 iron plaque to each parapet reads COUNTY OF CORNWALL/ TAKE NOTICE THAT THIS BRIDGE (WHICH/ IS A COUNTY BRIDGE) IS INSUFFICIENT TO/ CARRY WEIGHTS BEYOND THE ORDINARY TRAFFIC/ OF THE DISTRICT AND THAT THE OWNERS/ DRIVERS AND PERSONS IN CHARGE OF/ LOCOMOTIVES ARE WARNED AGAINST/ ATTEMPTING THE PASSAGE OF THE BRIDGE/ WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COUNTY SURVEYOR/ BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY JUSTICES/ SILVANUS W JENKIN/ SURVEYOR.

History

Clapper Bridge was recorded at this location in 1480 when, during the War of the Roses, Richard Edgcumbe of Cotehele complained that Richard Willoughby, later Lord Broke of Callington, with his retainers 'contrewayted him at Pilyton and at Klaper Brygge so that he might nought pass no care for jupertye of his life'. It was called Clayper Bridge by Norden in 1584 and by this time the bridge has probably been rebuilt from its simple clapper stone construction. The bridge was partly rebuilt, possibly in the C19, when an additional flood arch was constructed. There are C19 County plaques installed to the parapet wall by the County Surveyor. The original clapper bridge, built from large slabs of stone, may still be contained within the structure of the present bridge. Later works to the bridge are minor and include the insertion of concrete kerbing to the south roadway and mortar repairs to the parapet wall coping stones.

Reasons for Listing

Clapper Bridge, a C16 multi-span bridge on the site of a medieval clapper bridge, is listed at Grade II, for the following principal reasons:

Historic interest:
* it is a significant example of a C16 multi-span bridge, an uncommon survival both regionally and nationally.

Architectural interest:
* it is a neatly-made structure with well-constructed arches to the spans and cutwaters, retaining its C16 form;
* despite later alterations and repairs, it retains a significant proportion of its C16 fabric and possibly incorporates parts of the medieval clapper bridge. The later rebuilding and elaboration of the bridge demonstrate its continuing importance and add to its interest.

Group value:
* with another nearby Grade II-listed bridge.

External Links

• Historic England Listing

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
• 
  Dorset (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)
• 
  Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
• 
  For the Record
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)