Scheduled MonumentsEnglandWater Houses clapper bridge

Water Houses clapper bridge

England
List entry 1007258
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Water Houses clapper bridge is a stone bridge located in Westmorland, England, constructed to span a watercourse using the traditional clapper bridge method of large flat stone slabs supported on stone piers. The bridge dates from the medieval period, though the precise construction date remains uncertain within the scholarly record. Its vernacular stone construction is characteristic of utilitarian crossing points in the Lake District and surrounding upland regions, where such bridges served local agricultural and pastoral communities. The monument survives as evidence of medieval infrastructure and engineering practices adapted to the challenging terrain of northern England.

Water Houses clapper bridge is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007258. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Water Houses clapper bridge?

Water Houses clapper bridge is a stone bridge located in Westmorland, England, constructed to span a watercourse using the traditional clapper bridge method of large flat stone slabs supported on stone piers. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1007258.

Who is responsible for protecting Water Houses clapper bridge?

Water Houses clapper bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1007258.

What other scheduled monuments are near Water Houses clapper bridge?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Smardale South Demesne medieval village (4.1 km), Warren including three pillow mounds at Smardale Demesne, 950m south west of Holme Farm (4.2 km), Two round cairns, three Romano-British settlements and aggregate field systems at Severals and Intake, and Smardale Gill lime kilns and quarry (4.2 km).

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