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Dartmouth’s history goes back to the times of the 2nd & 3rd Crusades! In 1346 it sent 31 ships to the blockade of Calais, only Yarmouth and Fowley sent more. The merchants of Dartmouth exported wool & cloth and brought back fine wines from Bordeaux. Its fishermen were leaders in the Newfoundland fish trade. Slowly Dartmouth’s importance, as a port, declined and by 1900 it was just a yachtsman’s paradise and coaling station. Nowadays Dartmouth is just the most perfect place for yachting & a delightful tourist town - not a bad retirement by any standards!
Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) was born in Dartmouth. He invented the first-ever effective steam engine, to pump water from mines. It is housed in the little museum by the entrance to the car park on the river front.
A short walk away is a pretty little arcade, The Butterwalk (c. 1635) where dairy produce was sold in its shelter.
Dartmouth is home to some of the best Elizabethan house fronts and the most richly furnished old church (St. Saviour’s) in Devon.
River boat trips up the river Dart can be taken from the quayside.
I bid you, visit Dartmouth and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of this pretty riverside town.
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