Totnes History

A short potted history of Totnes (author unknown)

Medieval legendstates that Totnes was the place where the founder of the British race, Brutus of Troy, first came ashore, although this is based in myth, early settlers of Britain would have arrived up rivers along the South West coast.

Known history begins early in the 10th century. It was then that Totnes, meaning 'the fort or lookout on the nose or ridge of land', was established by the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, to defend the Dart Valley from the Vikings.

It was a market and trading centre, and as a Royal Borough minted its own coins.
After the Norman conquest, Totnes was given to a knight called Judhael, who built the Castle and founded the Priory (Guilhall).

Medieval Totnes broke free of its walls, and the long street leading down to the river came into being. The townspeople traded with France and along the English Channel, and grew prosperous on wool, slates and all the produce of a rich agricultural centre.

In 1206 people aquired their charter of independence from King John, and sent their first MP to Parliament in 1295. The list of Mayors in the Guildhall begins in 1359.

Totnes in the 16th century became one of the 20 richest towns in the country, thanks to Dartmoor tin and the cloth trade.
Over 60 houses from this period, some with elaborately carved ceilings, remain in the main street.

During the Civil War, both sides used the town as a base, with Prince Charles, later Charles the Second, Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax all coming here.

During 20th century, Totnes has sought to retain its beauty and character.

The activities of the nearby Dartington Hall Trust have helped to make Totnes the diverse, forward looking community it is today.

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