Standon Steps, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor National Park

Standon Steps, Mary Tavy, Dartmoor National Park

This information is taken from 'Walking Dartmoor's Ancient Tracks' by the Dartmoor expert Eric Hemery:

'The simplest way to explain the remarkable Standon Steps is to quote the relevant passage from 'High Dartmoor':

The alarming rapidity and volume of Tavy (prior to depletion by the large-capacity Mine Leat) was the motive in laying down immense stepping-stones unique in the Dartmoor country; they are of sufficient width to allow two corpse-bearers to cross abreast rather than fore and aft, a very necessary safety measure. Most unfortunately the bridge is built on the steps: it was erected by German prisoners-of-war (Word War II) for Jack Evans of Standon, range-clearer at Willsworthy range, because the river level at the ford was often too dangerous for horse and rider. Inexpertly built, it was severely damaged by flood; incredible though it may seem, it was rebuilt on the same site by the Ministry of Defence, thus perpetuating the spoliation of the historic steps.

The width of the steps may be judged by looking over the bridge parapets.'