Butterwalk in Totnes, Devon, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Butterwalk.jpg Author: Totnesmartin
Totnes is a market town in the district of South Hams, in the southeastern part of Devon, England. Located at the estuary of the River Dart, it has a population of around 7,500 people (2012 estimate).
Totnes traces its history to AD 907, when its first castle was erected. According to 12th century historian Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae (1136), the mythical founder of Britain Brutus of Troy first came ashore in Britain at Totnes.
There is a granite stone at Fore Street claimed by locals to be the ground on which Brutus first stepped on from his ship. It is called, of course, Brutus Stone. However, the location of the stone, so far above the highest tide, and the fact that it was only first mentioned in 1697, cast much doubt to its verity. Sceptics argued that it is more likely the stone upon which medieval town criers, called bruiter, called called out their news, or bruit.
By the 16th century, Totnes was the second richest town in Devon and the 16th richest in England, deriving much of its wealth from trades. Today much of that wealth is part of history. Totnes is a modern English town with a fair share of artists and a vibrant art scene.
From Manchester, take the M5 motorway until Exeter, where the M5 continues as the A30 and then as the A380 road. Take the A380 until Newton Abbot, then turn off to the A381 road. Continue south of the A381 until you reach Totnes.
River Dart at Totnes: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dart_at_Totnes_-_geograph.org.uk_-_703768.jpg Author: Gordon Brown
Places of Interest in Totnes
Butterwalk: Tudor covered walkway built to protect dairy products from sun and rain.
Totnes Castle: One of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, now under the care of English Heritage.
Totnes Elizabethan House Museum: Museum in an authentic Elizabethan merchant's house built around 1575.
Leechwell: A set of three springs supposed to have healing properties.
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