DARTMOUTH CASTLE

Devon

The harbour town of Dartmouth was a thriving port from the 12th century onwards.  With the arrival of the Hundred Years War a need was felt to protect the Dart Estuary.

The first phase was the building of the original Dartmouth Castle; little more than a bastion constructed around 1388 and (arguably) the first brick built Castle in England.  It was hardly a strong building and it was decided very soon afterwards to improve the Castle.  Between 1481 and 1494 the Tower was added to the Castle by the townfolk (with Royal permission).  Initially the smaller circular tower was constructed, with the taller square tower (pictured) being added later.

On the other side of the river Kingswear Castle was constructed around 1502 and a chain was strung between the two Castles which could be raised at times of attack.  This wasn't considered sufficient and a small embrasure known as "Bearsgrove" or "Bayard's Cove" Castle was built a few years later.

Needless to say Dartmouth was never attacked and the various Castles only saw action during the Civil War.  The Royalists garrisoned Dartmouth and built an earth redoubt to the landward side (from which the Castle was vulnerable).  It didn't help, and General Fairfax easily took the Castle in 1646.

Dartmouth and Bearsgrove are both owned by English Heritage, the former open throughout the year for a fee, the latter open and freely accessible at all times.  Kingswear Castle, however, is owned by the Landmark Trust and rented out as holiday accommodation.

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2018