Dartmouths Around the World

Dartmouth, a charming coastal town nestled on the southern coast of Devon in the UK, is a beloved gem. Yet, its uniqueness isn’t confined to this corner of the world. A glance at the atlas reveals that Dartmouth isn’t a sole entity; in fact, there are four Dartmouth’s scattered across the globe, each with its own intriguing history and connections. 

Dartmouth, Devon, UK: 

The roots of Dartmouth in the UK run deep, stretching back to the days of the Celts and Saxons. The earliest settlement, Townstal (formerly Dunestal), perched atop the river, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the town expanded through land reclamation, saw the rise of a Tudor fort at Bayards Cove, and the steadfast Dartmouth Castle guarding the river mouth. Its historical significance extends to the pilgrims’ journey to the New World, and it served as the backdrop for the Queen’s inaugural meeting with Prince Philip at the renowned Britannia Royal Naval College. 

 But while the history of Dartmouth, UK, is undoubtedly captivating, the stories of other Dartmouth’s around the world are equally enthralling. You can delve deeper into these stories below, or immerse yourself in Dartmouth’s UK history here. 

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada: 

Affectionately dubbed the “City of Lakes,” Dartmouth in Nova Scotia, Canada, boasts a plethora of lakes surrounding its territory. Originating in the 1750s when British settlers established a town and garrison in Halifax across the harbour, the city of Dartmouth was born. It was named to honour William Legge, the 2nd Earl of Dartmouth and England’s Secretary of State for the Colonies. Initially centred around farming and fishing, the town evolved with the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800s. In 1996, Dartmouth merged with Halifax and neighbouring communities, forming the Halifax Regional Municipality, yet the area remains fondly referred to as Dartmouth. With its 23 lakes and numerous parks and trails, Dartmouth is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 

Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA: 

Situated in the Eastern state of Massachusetts, the American Dartmouth finds its namesake in the UK counterpart, Dartmouth, Devon. Established in 1664 and encompassing over 63 square miles, this town lies along the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 60 miles south of Boston. It was founded by a group of settlers who broke away from the Plymouth colony and established their settlement based on the laws of Dartmouth in the UK. The town’s link to the Pilgrims’ voyage on the Mayflower adds an extra layer of historical significance. The Mayflower and Speedwell anchored off Dartmouth’s shores for repairs, marking a crucial chapter in their journey to the New World. 

Dartmouth, Victoria, Australia: 

Though now a quiet rural village, Dartmouth, Victoria, initially emerged as a settlement to accommodate workers during the construction of the Dartmouth Dam in the 1970s. This reservoir, also known as Lake Dartmouth, stands as Victoria’s largest and graces the stunning Mitta Valley. Victoria, the second smallest Australian state, offers a diverse landscape of pristine coastlines, national parks, lakes, mountains, and the vibrant city of Melbourne. 

Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA: 

Not a town, but an institution of immense renown, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 in New Hampshire. It proudly ranks among the Ivy League colleges and holds the distinction of being the ninth-oldest higher education institution in the United States. Named after the Earl of Dartmouth, a staunch supporter, the college finds its home in Hanover, a town nestled in the wilderness of New Hampshire. With its striking landscapes and notable landmarks like the White Mountains National Forest, the state offers a picturesque backdrop for this prestigious institution. 

Twin Towns: 

Crossing the seas to Normandy, France, the coastal town of Courseulles-sur-Mer stands linked with Dartmouth since 1977. This bustling port town has deep ties to World War Two, as it witnessed the courageous Canadian forces storm its beaches during the D-Day landings in 1944. The Dartmouth Anglo French Association, established in 2017, celebrated four decades of this special bond. 

In May 2016, Dartmouth, UK, solidified its twinning with Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA, in a sister city signing ceremony that brought together people from both sides of the Atlantic. This symbolic gesture reinforces the enduring connections between these towns, despite the geographical distances.  

As you embark on this journey through the various Dartmouth’s worldwide, be sure to follow our Facebook page to stay updated on new blog posts and insights about Dartmouth.