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 Dartmouth
This town at the mouth of the River Dart has been an important seaport since
the early Middle Ages; in fact it was from Dartmouth that English fleets left
to take part in the Second and Third Crusades.
The naval heritage of Dartmouth is preserved in the Britannia
Royal Naval College, sitting high on the cliffs above the Dart. The college
has trained officers of the Royal Navy since 1905. Regular escorted tours of
the college and grounds are conducted (see below).
The ships carrying the Pilgrims to America in 1620 called in
at Dartmouth for repairs to the Speedwell before setting out across the Atlantic.
Further along the port is Bearscove Castle, built in 1510 as part of Henry
VIII's coastal defences against the French. The "castle" is little
more than a gun emplacement meant to provide cover for the castle and chain
at the mouth of the river.
At the head of the Dart is Dartmouth
Castle. The castle was built after Edward IV offered £30 a year "for
ever" to the town burgesses if they would erect a "tower with a
chain sufficient in length and strength to stretch across the mouth of the
haven". The castle was begun in 1388 and not finished until about 1403.
Only one round tower survives, with a section of wall and a deep moat. The
castle, which is now in the care of English Heritage, can be reached by ferry
from the town between Easter and the end of October.
St. Petrox Church dates back to the 12th century, and it was
the place of worship for the soldiers of Dartmouth Castle during the later
Middle Ages. More striking is St Saviour's, built in 1372 and remodeled in
the late medieval period and again in the early 17th century. The interior
is richly furnished, and the traceried rood screen is especially striking.
An early 15th century brass of a former mayor and his two wives lies in the
floor of the chancel.
The area around the harbour is full of fine 18th century houses,
most adorned with hanging baskets of flowers in the summer months. The Butterwalk
is even earlier, with an enjoyable series of 17th century houses, including
that housing the Dartmouth Museum. But these buildings are newcomers compared
to the restored 14th century Cherub, a delightful half-timbered building on
Higher Street.
One of the most influential natives of Dartmouth was Thomas Newcomen
(1663-1729), who developed an engine driven by steam at atmospheric pressure.
Newcomen's invention helped speed the advent of the steam engine and provided
impetus for the Industrial Revolution. A working Newcomen engine dating to
the late 18th century stands beside the Tourist Information Centre.
The Paignton
and Dartmouth Steam Railway runs along the coast daily from June-September,
and on selected days in April, May, and October. Rail trips can be combined
with river cruises to make for an enjoyable day out.
The Dartmouth area provides good opportunities for walkers to
enjoy the countryside, with the Dart Valley Trail following the river inland,
and the Coastal Path allowing excellent ambles along the shore. If you'd rather
cruise on the water than walk, River Link offers
trips up the Dart and around the surrounding area. For an even more relaxing
time, visitors can enjoy the award-winning Blackpool Sands beach, just to the
south west of town.
The Dartmouth area is much less developed than the seaside resort
area around Torquay and Paignton top the north, and provides a more relaxed
centre for exploring south Devon.
Dartmouth
Tourist Information Centre
The Engine House
Mayor's Avenue
Dartmouth
Devon
England
TQ6 9YY
Tel: 01803 834224
Alternate Tel: 01803 834959
Fax: 01803 835631
Email: Holidays@DiscoverDartmouth.com
Web: http://www.discoverdartmouth.com/
Map
Britannia Royal Naval College
Details
Britannia Royal Naval College
Dartmouth
Devon
England
TQ6 0HJ
Location: transportation from town centre is usually provided for public tours
Website: Britannia Royal Naval College
Email: enquire@brnc.co.uk
Phone: 01803 832 141
Fax: 01803 677 043
map
OS SX875 521
NEARBY
Dartmoor National Park
South Devon Heritage Coast
Coleton Fishacre Gardens
Text
© David Ross and Britain Express 2001 | 
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