Useful Links
Below are links to external websites that you may find useful.
- Explore the archives and view original documents at the Devon Heritage Centre.
- The National Archives is the official archive and publisher for the UK Government, and for England and Wales.
- The Devon History Society is is a registered charity that promotes the study of all aspects of Devon’s history.
- The South West Maritime History Society encourages interest in all aspects of maritime history and promotes research in these fields, leading where possible to the publication of the results of such studies.
- GENUKI provides a virtual reference library of genealogical information of particular relevance to the UK and Ireland.
- The Dartmouth Directory is an online resource for all things in and around Dartmouth, including accommodation, shopping, estate agents, education and hospitals.
- The Blackawton & Street History Group aims to research, collate and record historical information on the twin parishes of Blackawton and Strete publicise activities and outcomes.
- Dartmouth Museum is a small but fascinating museum which occupies part of the historic Butterwalk, a terrace of rich merchants’ houses built in 1640.
- The Kingswear Devon website provides an abundance of information on Kingswear, on the opposite side of the Dart from Dartmouth.
- The Devon Family History Society promotes the study of genealogy and history, especially of Devon families and places.
- The Friends of Devon Archive promotes the preservation and use of historical records throughout Devon and to raise public awareness of their importance for research and education.
- The Devon Rural Archive in Shilstone, Modbury is an independant heritage centre for the study of Devon’s buildings and landscapes.
- Based in Totnes in South Devon, the Totnes Image Bank & Rural Archive is a volunteer-run historic photographic archive.
- Dartmouth’s Great War Fallen is a website dedicated to all those commemorated in the town of Dartmouth who died as a result of their service to their country, during or shortly after the Great War.
DHRG on Facebook
All welcome at our free History Help drop-in session at Dartmouth Library tomorrow Friday 17 April 10am-12noon.![]()
Use the Library's local history collection and other resources to answer that important question about Dartmouth's history that's been puzzling you, get help on researching your family or house history, or just pop #dartmouthh#localhistoryh Dartmouth LibraryrtExplore Dartmouthplore Dartmouth
Dartmouth - a popular destination for two centuries!![]()
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200 Years Ago: ![]()
"We are happy to perceive the present delightful weather has had the effect of enlivening our fashionables.![]()
Dartmouth from its romantic scenery and the well known excellence of its harbour, seems to be a very favourite resort.![]()
Several Yachts have already made their appearance this season"![]()
(Flindell's Western Luminary 4 April 1826)![]()
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100 Years Ago: ![]()
"The motor traffic commenced in earnest at Dartmouth ...![]()
The crowds on the River Dart steamers were evidence of the unusually large numbers of holiday-makers in South Devon.![]()
The visitors book at St Petrox contained the names of persons from many parts of the world"![]()
(Western Morning News 5 April 1926)![]()
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Today![]()
The riverboats are still busy, the yachts are still coming in, and the present weather is indeed delightful!![]()
#dartmouth #LocalHistory Explore Dartmouth
With the damage to the A379 very much in the news after Storms Ingrid and Chandra, all welcome at our next meeting on Monday 2 March at 10am, to hear a talk about the history of the road. It was seen as vital to the local economy right from the beginning. More details here: dartmouth-history.org.uk![]()
Our picture shows an original "vignette" of a peaceful Slapton Sands, produced by Robert Cranford of Dartmouth c1850, soon after the opening of the "newly erected and beautifully situated" Slapton Sands Hotel, where Thomas Pollard offered "strict attention to comfort and moderate charges" especially for "gentlemen fond of fishing"! (Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 19 April 1848)![]()
Dartmouth Visitor Centre Dartmouth Library Explore Dartmouth #localhistory
As 1926 began in Dartmouth, there were hopes for the future. Though many men from the shipbuilding and coal bunkering industries were still unemployed, some things were changing for the better - the Castle estate had been improved; Hauley Road had opened; Higherside Flats had been built; the Council had finally agreed to build new homes in Avery’s Meadow and to reclaim Coombe Mud. ![]()
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However, all was not well on the river, where the lower ferry was out of action. GWR had finally terminated their lease, requiring passengers and vehicles to use their ferry, the Mew. The ex-leaseholder, Tom Casey, began a rival penny passenger ferry service in a 12-seater motorboat named “I’ll Try”, but car and lorry drivers had no choice and complained about high prices on the Mew.![]()
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Tom Casey, a great character on the river, is remembered on a Lower Ferry float (pictured). He will shortly have his annual maintenance holiday after the busy festive season. For more on the history of the river ferries, see our book "A River to Cross", available in the Community Bookshop or directly from us.![]()
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We wish you all A Happy New Year discovering our local history. Our first meeting of 2026 is on Monday 5 January at 10am at the Baptist Church Hall, Carey Road, Townstal. All welcome!![]()
#localhistory #exploredartmouth #riverdart
Out now in By The Dart Winter 2025, final piece about Dartmouth in the 1920s. Linking into the 1920s Festival of Devon, the joint Dartmouth Museum/DHRG series has looked at housing and health, ups and downs in the local economy, entertainment, remembrance, and now education. If any of your family benefited from new opportunities opening up in Dartmouth in the 1920s, do get in touch, at www.dartmouth-history.org.uk![]()
Details there also of DHRG's final meeting of 2025 tomorrow Monday 1 December, Christmas Quiz and social. All welco#localhistorys#dartmouthm#devoninthe1920s1#dartmouthmuseumuseum