Day 6 Sunday May 18th Dartmouth Castle

 Today began much warmer and sunnier than yesterday.  We decided to take the small ferry trip to Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the river.  We went to M&S and bought some food for 

Spanish galleon by the quay

a picnic and then went to the ferry terminal and boarded for the short trip to the castle quay.  

approaching castle on ferry

We arrived and climbed the steep steps to the castle entrance. We were given information on the workings and the reasons for building and equipping it as it ended up. There were cannons elevated to fire at approaching historical ships and the castle was even armed for defence in case of an invasion during the second world war. For us the most interesting feature was the heavy chain which stretched across the estuary to Kingswear castle and could be raised as hostile ships approached.  These ships then became sitting ducks for the canons either side of the estuary.  I'm sure it was very effective over the centuries!  

looking to sea from castle

We went all through both parts of the castle and then the beautiful church which was in the grounds.  The castle is now maintained by English Heritage and the church is very well kept as well.  We came out and had our picnic on a bench overlooking the very busy estuary.  All sorts of vessels

church, castle and estuary

 were coming and going and there was plenty to watch. We later considered it time to move and made our way back to the ferry and to the town.  It was very evident that the music festival was still going on and we went back to our lodgings.  We had a cup of tea and relaxed before going out for a pizza tea.  We then returned for a quiet evening to end a relaxing day,