Although it is impossible to make any definite statement as to the date of Torr Steps, it is probable that they were built by the Celtish inhabitants of this part of the west country, the bridge having been on the beaten track between one or two important centres.  The size of the stones does not raise any obstacle to this theory, for though of great weight, they are not so unwieldy as the majority of those forming Stonehenge, which is generally accepted as the work of an exceedingly early race of sun-worshipping men.  The name “Torr” is possibly derived from the Celtic word “Tochar,” a causeway, modified to “Toher” and then to “Torr.”  The lanes leading from Dulverton to the village of Hawkridge, about 1-1/2 miles from the steps, are exceedingly beautiful, and the whole course of the river Barle is remarkable for the striking charm of its woodland scenery, which is frequently contrasted with the wild moorland commons on the hillsides above.

[Illustration:  TORR STEPS ON THE RIVER BARLE.

An early form of bridge, probably of Celtic origin.]

CLEEVE ABBEY, SOMERSET

=How to get there.=—­From Paddington.  Great Western Station.  To
  Washford Station via Taunton.
=Nearest Station.=—­Washford (2 or 3 minutes’ walk). =Distance from London.=—­182-1/4 miles. =Average Time.=—­Varies between 5-1/2 to 7 hours.

                     1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—­Single 30s. 4d. 19s. 0d. 15s. 3d. 
          Return 53s. 0d. 33s. 3d. 30s. 4d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­“Luttrell Arms Hotel,” “Dunster,”
  4-1/2 miles from Washford.  “Metropole,” “Beach,” “Plume of
  Feathers,” etc., at Minehead, 6-1/2 miles from Washford.

At Cleeve the Cistercian abbey church has disappeared, save for the bases of the pillars in the nave, but the conventual buildings are some of the most perfect in England, those of Beaulieu in Hampshire and Fountains in Yorkshire being the only ones able to compare with them.  One first passes through the magnificent old gatehouse pictured here.  Inside is a large grassy space, with the mass of buildings facing one.  They are arranged in a quadrangular form, enclosing a grassy cloister garth.  On the south side is the refectory, a magnificent hall above some small rooms on the ground floor.  It is believed to have been built by Abbot Dovell in the sixteenth century.  The roof, of carved walnut, is in a perfect state of preservation.  From the refectory one may pass into the Abbots’ Lodge, then descending to the cloister garth again, one may penetrate all the different portions of the buildings—­the day-room, where the monks did all sorts of work; the dormitory, where they slept; the chapter-house, where they conducted the business of the abbey; the sacristy, the parlour, and other smaller rooms.  The buildings are so perfect that it is quite easy to obtain a comprehensive idea of the inner workings of one of these great mediaeval institutions.