A collection of walks, discoveries, insights and pictures of exploring Dartmoor National Park
August 9, 2025
Piall Bridge
Piall Bridge, which is located about 1km north west of Cornwood, was built in 1844 at the expense of William Mackworth Praed, who was a well known barrister on the Western Circuit, and a judge of the County Court. He was a considerable benefactor to the parish, which included the building and improving of roads as well as the building of this bridge. After the bridge was built, it was handed over to the County for maintenance as the two ‘C’ stones located around 100m to the west and east of the bridge testifies. There is also a plaque on the bridge stating : “This bridge erected at the cost of William Mackworth Praed Esquire was accepted by the County of Devon”.
The William Mackworth Praed owned and lived on the Delamore Estate , which is located approx half way between Cornwood and the bridge. A short history of the house is covered in this post
Annotated 20th century map of Piall Bridge showing the locations of a plaque, a benchmark and two County ‘C’ stonesZoomed in view of Delamore house (taken from near Gibhill Cottages). Dallamoor which was first mentioned in records from the 13th century as part of the Manor of Cornwood. The first known house here was built by the Cole family; a later house followed which was built in the 1500s by the Bellmaines. This 2nd house was burnt down and was rebuilt in 1794 by Benjamin Hays and his wife Ann. This late 18th century house was the home of William Mackworth Praed (of Piall Bridge connections) but was demolished in 1859 after his death by his widow (Anne), who was the grand daughter of Ann Hayes (from 1794). The structure we see today is typically Victorian. The ‘Dartmoor Exploration’ to see Piall Bridge started in Cornwood. On the Cornwood to Piall Bridge road, this ‘mock’ (possible art installation) milestone can be found on the roadside near the eastern entrance to the Delamore Estate and the junction of Heathfield Down. It has and interesting inscription: “To Cornwood 211 Yards / London 211 Miles” (albeit Cornwood is much further than 211 years away). It is located at SX60140 60053The eastern Piall Bridge ‘C’ (County) stone can be found on the north side of the road about 100m from the bridgeThis ‘C’ stone is located at SX59709 60430A contextual view of the eastern ‘C’ Stone looking in the direction of Piall BridgeA contextual view of the eastern ‘C’ Stone looking in the direction of CornwoodPiall Bridge is located on a busy road between Lee Moor and Cornwood, no doubt being a favourite route between the A386 and the A38 avoiding Plymouth. It is located at SX59609 60461The Department of Environment in the Devon Historic Environment Record (HER) provide this description of the bridge: “Granite ashlar, partly rock-faced. Single deeply-chamfered 4-centred arch with roll moulded hoodmould. Cutwaters on downstream side only with semi-octagonal piers above. Stringcourse and low parapet with chamfered coping”. Below (south) of the bridge there is a weir and below that is a ‘valve’ and a ‘pipe’Close up of the weir at Piall BridgeThe pipe and valve below Piall Bridge, which do not look as if they have any function anymoreThe William Mackworthy Praed plaque set into the north parapet of Piall BridgeThe plaque is inscribed : “THIS BRIDGE / ERECTED AT THE COST OF / WILLIAM MACKWORTH PRAED ESQUIRE / WAS ACCEPTED BY THE / COUNTY OF DEVON”. The bottom of the plaque is now covered by the road surface and a date, if there is one, is obscured. That said, it is known the bridge was constructed in 1844. The plaque is located at SX59609 60464Benchmark (B.M. 0386.9) and Rivet on the south parapet of Piall BridgeThe Benchmark and its Rivet is located at SX59610 60460Contextual view of the Benchmark and Rivet on the south parapet of Piall BridgeLike many other bridges which were formerly maintained by parishes (or other bodies), Piall Bridge was taken over for maintenance by the County in the 19th Century. The County were responsible to maintain the road from each ‘C’ stone to the bridge as well as the bridge itselfThe western ‘C’ Stone is located on the south side of the road about 100m from Piall BridgeA contextual view of the western ‘C’ Stone looking in the direction of Piall BridgeThe western ‘C’ Stone is located at SX59508 60502
