More information : SX 8840 5021: Gallants Bower (NAT) Fort (NR) (1)
Gallant's Bower is a kite-shaped earthwork overlooking Dartmouth harbour. It has an entrance on the southwest and a broad rampart which widens into platforms at the four corners and in the middle of the west side. There are signs of additional works at the entrance and on two sides. (2)
Gallant's Bower was called 'Galions Boure' in 1463 when it was in use as a look-out although apparently not fortified.
The fort, although often ascribed to the Civil War, is unsuitably placed to resist attack on Dartmouth from inland, according to O'Neil, who suggests it was one of the fortifications erected in 1627 to defend the port against foreign invasion. It is a fine example of the period, of irregular plan with projecting bastions at each angle which could cover with flanking fire the long sides or curtains.
The present mutilated condition of the fort is partly due to rabbits and may be the result of deliberate slighting. The "new fort at Dartmouth" was ordered to be demolished in 1650.
According to Lega-Weekes (5), the remains of the fort are hardly distinguishable from the lines of an earlier fortifications "dating perhaps from British or Danish days". (3-5)
Of the hillfort suggested by authority 5 there is no trace. The 17th century fort is in very good condition. It consists , like its twin at Kingswear (SX 85 SE 9), of a roughly rectangular earthwork with five bastions; one at each of the four corners and a fifth midway along the northwest side. The earthworks are up to 4 metres in height. The interior consists of a hollow rectangular area below the level of the parapet and bastions. This is occupied by a small stone building measuring 2.4 by 2.8 metres. (6)
Gallants Bower was surveyed by RCHME in March 1998 at the request of the National Trust. The survey was carried out at 1:500 scale. (7)
A description, documentary history and account of the management of the site has been published by the National Trust. (8) |