Rampaging river sweeps away bridge . . . and 1,000 years of history

One of Britain’s oldest surviving bridges has been swept away by rampaging flood waters.

The ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge has spanned the River Barle in the heart of Exmoor, Somerset, for 1,000 years.

But the massive stones – which weigh up to two tonnes each – were washed downstream as the river level rose by up to 10ft over the weekend.

Resident and eye witness Martin Hesp said the torrent was so powerful it could have swept away a tank “like a pencil”.

He said: “I have lived in the area for over 50 years and I have never seen anything like this before in my life.

“It must have been some mighty trees which were carried downstream and smashed through them.

“If the water is 10ft over the bridge it could have been a tank in there and it would go like a pencil.”

The steps – listed as a Grade I structure by English Heritage – link the Somerset villages of Withypool and Dulverton.

They consist of 17 giant slabs, the largest of which is 8ft long and 5ft wide, spanning 180ft supported on stone “piers” which elevate them around 3ft above the water level.

The stones were last damaged in 1952.