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Summary

One of two gun platforms built in the 16th century to supplement the defences of the gun tower.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1014610: Dartmouth Castle

Other References/Statuses

• Old SAM County Ref: 24234(P)
• Tide Project: 16/04/2020

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• GUN EMPLACEMENT (Built, XVI - 1539 AD to 1544 AD (Between))

Full description

Department of National Heritage, 1996, Dartmouth Castle (Schedule Document). SDV320377.

The northern gun platform is capable of providing a base for five guns. The surviving openings or embrasures in the platform walls are 18C remodellings. The 17C - 19C guns mounted on reproduction gun carriages were recovered from Dartmouth Quay where they were being used as bollards.

Young, G. M., 2004, Dartmouth Castle: Phase 2 Condition Survey Works. Archaeological Watching Brief and Recording, 6 (Report - Survey). SDV320380.

Repairs and alterations were undertaken at Dartmouth Castle between May 2003 and March 2004. The work involved building recording of the Square and Round Towers of the 'Gun Tower' and the north and south 'Gun Platforms'. Below the modern embattlements of the North Gun Platform the wall is built of slate and limestone with occasional volcanic stone. Some superficial repointing and resetting of capping stones was undertaken. A blocked doorway was located in the south wall adjacent to St Petrox Church. Other details: Figure 2.

Sharpe, A., 2016, Dartmouth Castle, Devon. Conservation Management Plan 2016, Gazetteer No. 10 (Report - Assessment). SDV361934.

One of a pair of small open air paved gun platforms that were built adjacent to the gun tower between 1539 and 1544. Both were designed for larger, more powerful cannon than had originally been installed in the gun tower. The main purpose of the platform was to fire on any enemy shipping that managed to get past the southern gun platform and the chain boom. The present embrasures, four in the north-western wall and one in the northern corner, are 18th century in date but are probably modifications of the originals.
As extensions to the original defences of the gun tower the platforms are an important part of the history of the development of the defences of the castle.
See gazetteer for full details.

Ordnance Survey, 2020, MasterMap 2020 (Cartographic). SDV363413.

Area of gun platform shown.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV701 - Dartmouth Castle: Phase 2 condition survey works, archaeological watching brief & recording

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