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KINGSWEAR - AN INSIDER'S GUIDE

Dartmouth on the opposite bank of The Dart has grown into a town, but the village of Kingswear
was the first settlement at the mouth of the 'Dart'. It was from Kingswear, in 1635, that an
expedition, which included members of the Champernownes (related to Sir Walter Raleigh) family
left 'Kittery Quay' on their way to founding the town of 'Kittery' in Maine USA.

In more recent times many American Forces were based in Kingswear during WWII and the
Normandy invasion training - Eisenhowe reputedly stayed here whilst visiting the troops.

The village church (St Thomas of Canterbury) houses a memorial to Colonel H Jones who was
awarded the VC in the Falklands conflict.

Kingswear Castle was originally built (1491-1502) as an artillery tower. It was sited here to
compliment the artillery located at Dartmouth Castle and provide complete cover over the narrow
estuary entrance. A chain defence was also in place to enable sailing ships to be dis-masted.
As more powerful gun emplacements were located at Dartmouth, the Kingswear Castle became
redundant.

Unlike 'Dartmouth', Kingswear Castle is not open to the public.

Kingswear became the home of the local shellfishing industry - the leisure marina has overtaken
the significance of the commercial fleet.

The Paignton / Dartmouth Steam Railway terminates here with the ferries completing the trip across
the River Dart. In view of the parking restrictions in the village, the steam train offers a great
means of travelling from Torbay to Kingswear and Dartmouth.

The Kingswear Parish has two renown National Trust properties, which have unique gardens open
to the public: 'Greenway' the summer home of Agatha Christie; and 'Coleton Fishacre' the home
of the D'Oyly Carte family (Gilbert and Sullivan fame).


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