DARTMOUTH
We took a trip to Paignton near Devon to stay with some friends we met in Lagos, Portugal, Vilma and Rob. They were generous in having us a guests in their house and acting as our tour guide companions in exploring the area.
We took a short bus ride to Kingswear, where looking across the Dart river, perched on the top of the hill we could see Dartmouth College. Seeing this breathtaking view, it is clear to see why the area of Devon is considered the English Riviera.
Catching the ferry across to Dartmouth we arrived at the base of the town adjacent to the waterfront. since it was a warm and clear day we set off along the riverfront to see Dartmouth Castle.
Walking along the path toward the castle the path overlooked Bayard's Cove Fort, an English 16th-century artillery blockhouse, built to defend the harbor entrance at Dartmouth in Devon. Constructed in the early part of the century, it had eleven gun ports for heavy artillery and was intended to engage enemy vessels that broke past the external defenses of the Dartmouth and Kingswear castles.
Just before reaching the castle we happened upon a medieval church St. Petrox. It was originally for an order of monks who kept a lighthouse of sorts to act as a beacon to help boats find the mouth of the river and was later incorporated into the Dartmouth Castle complex for the military chapel.
After our 20 minute walk to the castle we were thirsty and our friends said we could get a cup of tea at a restaurant at the castle. the cafe was closed so we had to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, river and Kingswear Castle from the grounds. It was well worth it
On the opposite shore is Kingswear Castle, The two castles is so rare, it sparked my curiosity to know why. In 1481 a Dartmouth castle was begun at Dartmouth, to defend the harbor there. To support it from the opposite shore, Kingswear Castle was completed in 1502. Together they represent the most advanced military design of their day. For the first time large guns were mounted inside on the ground floor, with rectangular ports through which to fire them.