Landacre Bridge

Landacre Bridge is a five-arched stone bridge that carries Landacre Lane over the River Barle on Withypool Common, on Exmoor in the English county of Somerset. It is one of the best-known old bridges on the moor and is protected twice over: it is both a scheduled monument and a Grade II* listed building.

What is Landacre Bridge?

The bridge is a medieval multi-span crossing, usually dated to the late medieval period. Its first written record comes from 1610, so the exact year of construction is not known. For centuries it has linked the two banks of the Barle for people on foot, on horseback and with carts, on a lane that runs through open moorland near the village of Withypool.

What does the bridge look like?

The structure is built of local stone and has five pointed arches. Each arch is made of two rings of rough, unevenly shaped stones (rubble voussoirs). Between the arches, angled cutwaters divide the current of the river and protect the piers when the water rises. The parapets are very low, only about 0.6 metres high, which gives the bridge its distinctly old and unpretentious profile. It is a narrow crossing made for a country lane, not for heavy traffic.

How has it changed over time?

Like most old bridges over moorland rivers, Landacre Bridge has been repaired many times. A set of substantial repairs was completed in 1828 by a mason from Dulverton. Further restoration followed in 1875, and again after flood damage in 1952. Because of these interventions, some original medieval fabric may be hidden behind later stonework, which is typical of bridges of this age in England.

Why does it have heritage protection?

Medieval bridges that still carry a road are relatively rare, and this one has survived with its pointed arches and cutwaters recognisable. That is why it carries two layers of protection: scheduling as an archaeological monument and Grade II* listing, a category reserved for particularly important buildings.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The bridge lies close to Withypool, a small village in the heart of Exmoor, and the River Barle flows beneath it on its way through the moor. The coordinates are approximately 51.112 N, 3.692 W. Landacre Lane is a quiet country road, so the bridge is easy to reach by car, and it also suits walkers exploring the river valley and the surrounding common.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Landacre Bridge? It is considered late medieval. The earliest written mention dates from 1610.

How many arches does it have? Five pointed arches, separated by angled cutwaters.

Which river does it cross? The River Barle, on Exmoor near Withypool.

Is the bridge protected? Yes. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II* listed building.

Has it been repaired? Yes, in 1828, in 1875 and after flood damage in 1952.

Where does it stand? On Withypool Common in West Somerset, where Landacre Lane crosses the Barle.