Although very different in appearance, Dartmouth
Castle and Bodiam Castle (in East Sussex) are contemporary and were both
built for defence, but privately (not royally) funded.
In the fourteenth century, Richard II cleverly strengthened the south of England
without paying for it all himself.
Here at Dartmouth, with its long naval tradition stretching back to the mustered
fleets for the Crusades, the merchants of late fourteenth century Dartmouth felt vulnerable to
attack, and so the castle was built with artillery in mind, one of the first to have been so.
More properly a fort, it juts out into the Dart estuary guarding the town from
the French during the Middle Ages, the Napoleonic Wars and was again brought into service during
both World Wars. Like Tintagel in Cornwall, it clings to the cliff and is protected by it,
concentrating its defence out towards the water.
Dartmouth Castle - Visitor info
Dartmouth is open for visitors and a ticket for an adult
currently costs 4.70 pounds. English Heritage members have free access.
For more information about tickets, opening hours and tours visit the
official website.
Dartmouth Castle Map&Location
Dartmouth Castle is located at the following address: Castle Road, Dartmouth,
Devon TQ6 0JN. Use this map to get help with directions:
View Larger Map
|