Although very different in appearance, Dartmouth Castle and Bodiam Castle (in East Sussex) are contemporary and were both built for defense, but privately (not royally) funded.
Dartmouth Castle History
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 against the French during the Middle Ages, and 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 defense 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 Location
Dartmouth Castle is located at the following address: Castle Road, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0JN. Use this map to get help with directions: