| BAYARDS
COVE is the earliest surviving quay in
Dartmouth. Dates set in the cobbles confirm its
antiquity. The houses at the southern end and
the circular Bayards Cove Fort are Tudor, the
buildings at the northern end 18th century. A
plaque here commemorates the visit of the PilgrimFathers.
BRITANNIA
ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE was built in1902
and dominates the northern skyline above Coronation
gardens. A superb example of Edwardian architecture,
the college was built to replace two training
ships that were moored on the river. It's students
have included members of the Royal family. Escorted
tours are available.
DARTMOUTH
CASTLE dates from the 1480s and used
to protect the river entrance with the aid of
a chain slung across the mouth. These defences
were aimed at keeping out the French, though the
chain was later used to bar rival Cornish fishermen
from landing their catches in the port.
THE OLD BATTERY
Adjoining the castle is the Old Battery, built
in 1545 and repeatedly modernised, particularly
in Napoleonic times. It contains many fine cannon
and, along with the castle, is now administered
by English Heritage.
DARTMOUTH MUSEUM 1635-40
Contains local historical and maritime exhibits.
Open April-Oct Mon-Sat 11am-5pm • Nov- March Mon-Sat
12-3pm The Butterwalk.
THE CHERUB Higher
Street, is a Grade I listed building dating from
about 1380, when it was constructed for a wool
merchant. It was sensitively restored in the 1950s.
Nearby is the Old Shamble, dating from 1400 but
much extended in the 17th century.
Just down the hill is FAIRFAX PLACE,
one of the main shopping streets which, along
with South Embankment and The Quay contains many
fine half timbered buildings. Those carrying numerous
grotesques, for instance, were built in about
1620, but renovated and much altered in the 1880s.
THE BUTTERWALK Built
circa 1640, this impressive building with its
granite pillars and wooden carvings forming an
arcade over the pavement is still very much in
use today. was built in 1635-40. The wood carving
and massive dividing walls which are a feature
of many old Dartmouth buildings, reflect the style
in use in Brittany and the extensive trade with
that region at the time.
FOSS STREET is a
pedestrianised precinct with many small specialist
shops and cafes. These continue across Duke Street
into Anzac Street, towards St Saviour's church.
Just west of Foss Street is the Old Market, an
unusual building opened in 1828. Markets are still
held here on Fridays and Tuesdays. There are also
shops in the Old Market open all year and throughout
the week. It is the setting for the annual 'Fatstock
Show' in December. |
