Totnes


Totnes


The ancient borough of Totnes enjoys a prominent position above the River dart. The town is one of Devon's gems; full of both colour and character, that stems from a rich cultural, historical and archaeological heritage. It is the second oldest borough in England, and is full of interesting diversions for the visitor — museums, a riverside with steamer quay, an ancient Guildhall and Church, a Norman Castle and the North and East Gates. The town is an architectural feast to those interested in historic buildings - with fine examples of properties dating back to Norman, Medieval and Tudor times. The name Totnes derives from the Saxon for a fort or lookout on a ridge. The town is known to have been a fortified Saxon settlement, built to protect the upper reaches of the river from Viking raiding parties. Source: Devon Online

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Totnes Attraction

The Guild Hall The Guild Hall, on Ramparts Walk in the High Street, is a well-preserved 16th century building. The Hall, which was constructed in 1533, still serves as a council chamber. Visitors to the Guild Hall can see Totnes' Old Jail and the table where Cromwell sat in 1646. Open: Mon. to Fri. 10.30 am. to 1.30 pm. and 2.00 PM to 4.30 PM Tel: 01803 862147. The Ancient Leech Wells The Leech Wells can be found at the top of the town in an area known as the 'Narrows' — a collection of narrow streets echoing back to Tones' past. If you follow the High Street up to the top of the town, it levels out and curves round to the left. If you walk along Leechwell Street, you will come to Totnes' oldest pub — the 17th century Kingsbridge Inn. Adjacent to the pub, you will find the narrow passage known as Leechwell Lane, leading back down the hill. The passage leads you to the site of Totnes' three ancient wells, where water flows from springs into three granite troughs. The waters in the wells were believed to have medicinal properties and as such, were administered by specially appointed Town Wardens. The healing waters in the Leech Wells were for a long time a point of pilgrimage for Lepers, in an attempt to cleanse themselves of their terrible affliction. Totnes Museum The museum is located in a Tudor Merchants House. This half-timbered building is a good example architectural example of this type of period property. The museum has a good display of local history The museum features an exhibit of early computers. Charles Babbage the father of computer science spent a large part of his early life in Totnes. Admission: 1st April to 31st October Mon.-Fri. 10.30 am. To 5.00 PM Sat. 2.00 PM to 5 .00 PM All bank holidays in open season 11am to 3 PM Telephone 01803 863821 Totnes Castle Totnes has a fine example of a Norman Castle, with excellent views over the town. Totnes Castle was constructed at a time when feudal Lords ruled over a simple mediaeval society. The presence, power and status of this ruling class of Norman's, was clearly demonstrated to the local people in the form of the castles that they built. Markets Totnes has regular outdoor markets on Fridays and Saturdays. During the main season, between May and September, there is an Elizabethan market each Tuesday morning, where local people and traders go about their daily business dressed in Elizabethan costume. The Elizabethan market runs alongside the all-day craft market in the town. Totnes Costume Museum An exhibition of costumes and accessories, entitled "The age of Victoria 1837-1901", Situated in one of the oldest Tudor houses in Totnes. Admission: Spring Bank Holiday to 1st October Monday to Friday 11.00 am. To 5.00 PM The Brutus Stone The Brutus Stone can be found in Fore Street, set into the pavement on the right hand side, as you walk up the street towards the East Gate Arch. The stone is next to no. 51 Fore Street, and is easily missed on a busy day. The Stone is linked in legend to a Trojan Prince who landed in Totnes whilst searching for an island promised to him by the goddess Diana. In 1170 BC, after the Trojan War, Brutus and a band of followers set out to find this Promised Land. They landed in Totnes with Brutus using the 'Brutus Stone' to disembark from their ship - as he stepped ashore onto the stone, he said; "Here I stand, and here I rest. The town shall be called Totnes". Brutus and his followers were, according to the legend, the first people to reach the shores of Britain; making Totnes, and the Brutus Stone, the place of origin of the British People. Berry Pomeroy Castle Local Folklore claims that this late medieval castle is a haunted. The Castle and mansion house is situated halfway up a wooded hillside, looking out over a deep ravine and stream. Berry Pomeroy is unusual in the way that it combines the remains of a large castle with a flamboyant courtier's mansion. The original castle was constructed by the Pomeroy family following their arrival in England during the Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror. Originally made from wood, the castle was reconstructed in stone during the 12th century. The only part of the current building that is medieval in origin is the section stretches from the gatehouse to St Margaret's tower. The Duke of Somerset bought Berry Pomeroy in 1548; the family living in the castle for the next 100 years. During the Elizabethan period the castle was acquired by the Seymour family, who began a modernisation programme - by building the great mansion. The English Civil War interrupted the work on the castle as it reached its final stages of completion. The Seymour’s abandoning the building in 1688 following damage by the Parliamentarian forces. A great fire at the end of 17th century destroyed the roofs and timber structures of the building, leaving the castle and mansion in ruins. Admission: 1 April to 31 October, daily 10.00am to 6.00pm. Tel: 01803 866618

Totnes Accommodation

The Red Slipper Stoke Gabriel TOTNES Devon TQ9 6RU England Bed & Breakfast Price Single From : 35.00 GBP Pam and Clive Wigfall welcome you to The Red Slipper, set in the centre of the beautiful unspoilt South Devon village of Stoke Gabriel, situated on the historic River Dart, and close to the unique scenery of Dartmoor. Stoke Gabriel is the ideal spot from which to tour or simply unwind and relax. It is only a short drive to the neighbouring towns and attractions of Totnes, Dartmouth, Brixham and the English Riviera of Torquay and Paignton. We endeavour to make your stay a comfortable experience so that you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the South Hams area of Devon, and we will be delighted to help you plan your stay with us. The Durant Arms Ashprington TOTNES Devon TQ9 7UP England Bed & Breakfast Price Single From : 30.00 GBP The Watermans Arms Bow Bridge Ashprington TOTNES Devon TQ9 7EG England Bed & Breakfast Price Single From : 40.00 GBP

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