Totnes
Totnes
The town of Totnes is well known for its offbeat and alternative character so much so that once a joker scrawled on the town sign twinned with Narnia.
In the 60s, the town was a favourite for the hippies and over the years, it has retained its alternative badge, these days it has encouraged an eco-aware culture so much so that it was the countries first transition town in 2005 working hard to become independent of oil-based energy.
The town has a somewhat strange myth associated to it that it was founded by a soldier called Brutus from Troy who fled the Greek destruction of his home city. The town was one of the last strongholds of the Celts before they were ousted by the Anglo Saxons.
The town grew and prospered as goods flowed to and from Totnes on the river dart namely Tin and cloth, imports included wine from France and canvas.
The town is full, of interesting buildings some timbered and half-tiled examples can be seen, and it is pleasant to walk up to the old town through the east gate to explore the area. St Marys church has some interesting memorials; there are also the remains of a castle.
Nearby interest.
The modernistic era building High Cross House, this fabulous building in the care of the national trust is one of the most important buildings of its kind in England. Designed by William lescaze in 1932, the building itself is now closed but the Dartington Hall estate can still be visited.
Activities in Totnes
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