Totnes is a deeply satisfying place to explore if you are interested in history, as the town's past is clearly visible, layer upon layer, in its streets and buildings.
After the Norman conquest, Totnes belonged to a knight called Judhel, who built the castle and founded a priory on the site of the Guildhall. The medieval town broke free of its walls and the long main street leading down to the river came into being. The townspeople traded widely with France and along the English Channel, growing prosperous on wool, slates and all the produce of a rich agricultural area.
In 1206 the people of Totnes acquired a charter of independence from King John, giving them control over their own affairs. The first MP was sent to Parliament in 1295, and the list of mayors begins in 1359. Totnes is rightly proud of its long civic tradition, although borough status was lost in 1974.
The beautiful red sandstone church of St Mary, famous for its tower and stone roodscreen, was rebuilt in the 15th century. In the Tudor period, Totnes became the 16th wealthiest town in England, thanks largely to the export of Dartmoor tin. Over 60 merchants' houses from this time remain in Fore Street and High Street, often with elaborately carved ceilings, though many are hidden behind more recent facades. The Museum at 70 Fore Street is a perfectly restored example. During the Civil War both sides used the town as a base at different times, with Prince Charles (later Charles II), Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax all visiting.
The 18th and 19th centuries were a quieter time for Totnes, though it was still a busy centre for its surrounding farms and villages. In the 20th century the town sought to retain its looks and character whilst keeping up with appropriate developments - not always an easy balance. Since 1925 the various activities of the nearby Dartington Hall Trust have helped to make Totnes the diverse, socially varied and creative place it is today.
In 1970 a group of local traders decided to celebrate the legacy of Elizabethan prosperity in Totnes by dressing in period costume on Tuesdays throughout the summer. Now every, from May to the end of September, you can step back in time as you enjoy the famous Elizabethan Charity Market by the Civic Hall, and see townspeople in colourful costumes going about their daily business.
In August, look out for the unique Orange Race organised by the Elizabethan Society. This event commemorates a visit to the town by Sir Francis Drake in the 1580s, when he presented 'a fair red orange' to a little boy in the street. Now contestants chase their oranges down the hill. Population 8,000
Attraction
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Dartington Hall Gardens
Goss Centre of Challenge & Adventure
High Cross House
Sharpham Vineyard
Totnes Castle
Totnes Costume Museum
Totnes Elizabethan House Museum
Totnes Guildhall
Church
Classes
Dance - Demelza Rouncefield Flamenco Dance
Yoga - metta.org.uk
Cottage
Archways
Belsford Court Cottages
Cider Barn
Oats
Swallows
Council
Dentist
Manor Lodge
Paul Hickling Dentistry
Doctor
Catherine House Surgery
Leatside Surgery
Estate Agent
Eastgate Estate Agents
Fulfords Estate Agents
Luscombe Maye
Pugsley's Estate Agents
Rendells
Stags
Golf Club
Inn
Durant Arms
Royal Seven Stars Hotel
Market
Collectables & Flea Market
Totnes Good Food Sunday Market
Totnes Market
Pub and Bar
Albert Inn
Bay Horse Inn
Dartmouth Inn
Kingsbridge Inn
Royal Seven Stars Hotel
Steam Packet Inn
The Waterman's Arms
White Hart Bar and Restaurant
Restaurant
Bistro 67
Brioche
Cleves Restaurant
Durant Arms
Effings
Gabriel Court Hotel
Royal Seven Stars Hotel
Rumour
Steam Packet Inn
White Hart Bar and Restaurant
Willow
Willow Vegetarian Garden Restaurant
Self-Catering
Belsford Court Cottages
Cider Barn
Riverview
Solicitor
Taxi
Aardvark Cars
Andys Taxis
Brians White Rabbit Taxis
Castle Cabs
East Allington Taxi Service
White Rabbit Cabs
Vet
Sports Clubs
Ashburton Cricket Club (Cricket)
Ronin Do Judo Kaj (Martial Arts)
Spacehoppers Volleyball Club (Volleyball)
The Maltsters CC (Cricket)
Totnes (Women's Hockey)
Shops
Arcturus Books
Totnes Bookshop
Harlequin
Green Fuse
Rymans
Pure Hairdressing
Cider Press Plant Centre
Longcombe Nursery & Garden Centre
Greenlife
Oasis Wholefoods
Sacks
The Happy Apple
Tideford Foods
Totnes Health Shop
Peters & Sumray
Conker Shoe Co
Lesters Of Totnes
Bishopston Trading Company
White Space Contemoprary
Davidson Fine Art
Marshall Arts Gallery
Originality
Greenfibres
Riverford Farm Shop
Riverford Farm Shop
Seeds Bakery & Health Store
Sharpham Partnership Ltd
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
The River Shack
The Terrace Coffee Shop
Signal Box Cafe
Luscombe Butchers
McCabe Butchers
O'Brien Ltd
Neals Yard Remedies
Antiques
Butterwalk House
Rees Antiques
Rotherfold Antiques
Pandoras Box
Activities
Canoe Adventures(Water Sports)
Dartmouth Yacht Cruise School(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Totnes
Riverview (0.43 miles)
The apartment comprises two double/twin bedrooms, kitchen, large lounge/diner, with lovely view over the River Dart. It is on the second floor, approached by climbing some steps, with a large ... More
The Great Grubb Bed and Breakfast (0.58 miles)
A warm welcome at The Great Grubb Bed and Breakfast. Four star contemporary accommodation that reflects the unique flavour of Totnes. We are located within walking distance of Totnes shops ... More
Belsford Court Cottages (2.17 miles)
An idyllic rural retreat for all the family nestling in the rolling hills and valleys of the South Hams, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The rural hamlet of Belsford is close to the pretty ... More | visit website
Sea Trout Inn (The) (2.18 miles)
Durant Arms (2.50 miles)
The Durant Arms is a traditional 18th century country inn; situated in the wonderful surroundings of the South Hams countryside in Devon. An idyllic country retreat, the Durant Arms Hotel and Restaurant in Ashprington, Totnes ... MorePound Court Riverside B&B (2.90 miles)
Sladesdown Farm (3.32 miles)
Broadhayes House (3.38 miles)
This is bed and breakfast at its best - superb hospitality in a comfortable stylish home in beautiful surroundings. Broadhayes is a spacious house with spectacular views of farms and ... More
Longacre B&B (3.62 miles)
We are surrounded by organic farmland.
Set in the heart of South Devon, also known as the South Hams, just off the A38, ... More | visit website
Red Slipper (3.71 miles)
Set in the heart of the delightful Devon Village of Stoke Gabriel on the River Dart, The Red Slipper is the ideal place to relax or to explore South Devon. ... More
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