74
was built across it for the “New Road” connecting the centre of Dartmouth to the turnpiked road system, which was completed in 1826. The area was finally land- locked when the mill gullet was removed five years later. But the area was not filled in, so the land level remained below the high- water mark. Despite persistent flooding problems, many houses were built along and around the New Road during subsequent decades. The mill’s removal caused the
remaining area of tidal water between the old shipping yards in Hardness and the New Ground to silt up, becoming a health hazard and an eyesore. In 1876-7 the western part was filled in. Various modernisation schemes were put forward for the waterfront, replacing the historic shoreline with a continuous quay extending into the river (the illustration shows a proposal of 1879). The Embankment was finally completed in 1885 from the Lower
Ferry Slip to Vavasour Slip, and new commercial and residential property was built on the reclaimed area. The New Ground became the Royal Avenue Gardens; one area of open water was retained for small boats, called the Boat Float. The ancient shipyards disappeared – shipbuilding moved further upriver. In 1928-1937 the Embankment
was extended northwards up to the Higher Ferry and Coombe creek was filled in, creating Coronation Park. The Embankment was widened and raised in 1986, not least to provide improved flood defences. The Dart estuary took shape when sea-level rise in the post- glacial period partially submerged
the river valley. The magnificent natural harbour, bounded by steep hillsides, has determined the town’s growth. Historic land reclamation at the shoreline now renders much of the town potentially vulnerable to increased flooding risk. Changes to the Dartmouth waterfront may not only be the stuff of history.
© Text Gail Ham The Dartmouth History Research Group researches the history of Dartmouth and surrounding villages. To find out more, have a look at our website www.dartmouth-history.
org.uk
*Dartmouth: Wave conditions and tidal modelling updates, by JBA Consulting for the
Environment Agency, 2017
Farm shop, stocked with locally sourced produce.
Garden Centre – Farm Shop – Café
Choose your perfect Christmas tree from the largest selection in the area! You’ll find every type and size of non- drop, traditional and pot grown. Our award winning trees are grown locally in the heart of Dartmoor. FREE £10 voucher with every Christmas Tree purchased* & FREE delivery throughout the South Hams. *see website for conditions Open Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm
Find Gardentime just past Woodlands and Dartmouth Golf Club on the main A3122 to Dartmouth e:
info@gardentime.biz Hemborough Post, Blackawton, Totnes TQ9 7DE
01803 712345 •
www.gardentime.biz Garden Centre, Farm Shop & Café open 7 days a week
Gardening advice
Expert available.
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