Source/Archive record SEM8003 - An historical and archaeological study of Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park: Project report

Tarr Steps is a clapper bridge, built entirely from local stones, which crosses the river Barle between Withypool and Dulverton. This study has used recent documentary research and field investigation to suggest that Tarr Steps was built in the 15th or 16th Centuries to provide a dry way across the river by a long established ford. The bridge provided access to a water grist mill, sited close to the Barle on the Hawkridge side of the river, and a leat, over 1.5km long, which can still be seen in North Barton Wood, channelled water from West Water to drive the water wheel. This study has also set out in detail the history of Tarr Steps in the 19th and 20th centuries, putting the repairs of 2013 in context. Over 280 photographs, drawings and paintings have been examined from 11 collections, providing a visual record of the structure and its condition from 1827 to the present day.