| Summary : The defences of Dartmouth are first mentioned in the 14th century. In 1374 the citizens were instructed to "survey and correct all defects in the said town and port, and fortify the same...". The original fortification on the site of Dartmouth Castle (SX 85 SE 16) was under construction in 1388, and in 1402 John Corp was licensed to crenellate a "lodging of his by the entrance of the port of the town for defence against the King's enemies". This has not been identified, but may have been Paradise Fort (SX 85 SE 11), Gomerock (SX 85 SE 10) or Kingswear Castle (SX 85 SE 17). During the 15th century a form of defence was maintained by stretching a chain across the mouth of the harbour. Construction of Dartmouth Castle, as it is today, was commecned in 1481, and Kingswear Castle on the opposite shore may date from about the same time. Bayards Cove Castle (SX 85 SE 12) was probably built about 1509; Paradise fort may have been the "earth bastion with six pieces" described in 1599 to the north of Dartmouth Castle. A battery called 'Lamberds's Bulwark' (SX 85 SE 50) was constructed in the 16th century just south of Dartmouth Castle, and in the early 17th century Kingswear Castle fell out of use, as the improved weaponry of Dartmouth Castle became sufficient to cover the estuary. Gallants Bower (SX 85 SE 14) and Mount Ridley (SX 85 SE 9) were built in 1627, or during the Civil War, when the town was held by the Royalists from 1643 to 1646. Following the war the defences were maintained only against possible attack from the sea. Lamberds Bulwark was rebuilt and batteries at Sugary Cove (SX 85 SE 49) and Blackstone (SX 85 NE 3) are charted. Maiden Fort was rebuilt as a battery in 1747. It and Bayards Cove Castle were used for gun emplacements in World War II. |
More information : The Medieval and post-Medieval Defences of
Dartmouth.
The defences of Dartmouth (SX 8751) were first mentioned in the
14th century, and in 1374 the citizens were instructed to
"survey and correct all defects in the said town and port, and
fortify the same...". The original fortification on the site of
Dartmouth Castle (SX 85 SE 16) was under construction in 1388,
and in 1402 John Corp was licensed to crenellate a "lodging of
his by the entrance of the port of the town for defence against
the King's enemies". This has not been identified, but may have
been Paradise Fort (SX 85 SE 11), Gomerock (SX 85 SE 10) or
Kingswear Castle (SX 85 SE 17).
During the 15th century a form of defence was maintained by
stretching a chain across the mouth of the harbour from
Dartmouth Castle to a site just below Gomerock, which may have
been built to guard it.
Construction of Dartmouth Castle, as it is today, was commecned
in 1481, and Kingswear Castle on the opposite shore may date
from about the same time. Bayards Cove Castle (SX 85 SE 12) was
probably built about 1509; Paradise fort may have been the
"earth bastion with six pieces" described in 1599 to the north
of Dartmouth Castle.
A battery called 'Lamberds's Bulwark' (SX 85 SE 50) was
constructed in the 16th century just south of Dartmouth Castle,
and in the early 17th century Kingswear Castle fell out of use,
as the improved weaponry of Dartmouth Castle became sufficient
to cover the estuary.
Two more forts, Gallants Bower (SX 85 SE 14) and Mount Ridley
(SX 85 SE 9), were built on opposite sides of the river in
1627, or during the Civil War. The town and port, with their
defences, were held by the Royalists from 1643 to 1646, when
captured by Sir Thomas Fairfax.
Paradise Fort and Flaggon Fort (SX 85 SE 39) were mentioned
during this period. With the end of the Civil War, the defences
of Dartmouth were maintained only against possible attack from
the sea. Following the threat from the Dutch fleet, Lamberds
Bulwark, re-named Maiden Fort, was rebuilt, and a contemporary
chart shows batteries at Sugary Cove (SX 85 SE 49) and
Blackstone (SX 85 NE 3). When the crisis passed, the defences
were allowed to deteriorate, but Maiden Fort was rebuilt in
1747 as a battery. It and Bayards Cove Castle were used for gun
emplacements in the Second World War. (1-2)
No further information. Individual sites revised and new sites recorded relating to the Second World War defences of Dartmouth. (see under individual NAR Numbers). (3)
Recent documentary research confirms that both Gallants Bower and Mount Ridley were constructed by the Royalist garrison of Dartmouth between 1643 and 1645. (See under individual records). (4) |