Dartmouth is a community and civil parish in the English area of Devon. It is a visitor destination set on the western bank of the tidewater of the River Dart, which is a long slim tidal ria that runs inland as far as Totnes. It exists within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also South Hams area, and had a population of 5,512 in 2001, [1] lowering to 5,064 at the 2011 census There are two electoral wards in the Dartmouth location (Townstal & Kingswear). Their combined population at the above demographics was 6,822. In 1086, the Domesday Book notes Dunestal as the only negotiation in the area which now composes the parish of Dartmouth. It was held by Walter of Douai. It paid tax obligation on half a conceal, and had 2 plough teams, 2 servants, 5 citizens and also four smallholders. There were 6 cattle, 40 lamb and also 15 goats. Right now Townstal (as the name became) was obviously a simply agricultural negotiation, centred around the church. Walter of Douai rebelled versus William II, as well as his lands were confiscated as well as included in the honour of Marshwood (Dorset), which sublet Townstal and also Dartmouth to the FitzStephens. It was probably during the early part of their proprietorship that Dartmouth began to grow as a port, as it was of tactical value as a deep-water port for cruising vessels. The port was made use of as the sailing factor for the Crusades of 1147 and 1190, and Warfleet Creek, near to Dartmouth Castle is supposed by some to be called for the substantial fleets which put together there. Dartmouth was a residence of the Royal Navy from the regime of Edward III and also was two times surprised as well as sacked during the Hundred Years War, after which the mouth of the estuary was shut every evening with a great chain. The narrow mouth of the Dart is secured by two fortified castles, Dartmouth Castle and also Kingswear Castle. Originally Dartmouth's only jetty was Bayard's Cove, a reasonably tiny location secured by a fort at the southerly end of the community.