Dartmouth is a community and also civil parish in the English area of Devon. It is a tourist location set on the western financial institution of the tidewater of the River Dart, which is a lengthy slim tidal ria that runs inland as far as Totnes. It lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as South Hams area, and also had a population of 5,512 in 2001, [1] lowering to 5,064 at the 2011 census There are two selecting wards in the Dartmouth area (Townstal & Kingswear). Their consolidated population at the above demographics was 6,822. In 1086, the Domesday Book details Dunestal as the only negotiation in the location which now comprises the church of Dartmouth. It was held by Walter of Douai. It paid tax on half a hide, and also had two plough teams, two servants, five villagers and also four smallholders. There were 6 cattle, 40 lamb as well as 15 goats. Right now Townstal (as the name became) was apparently a totally farming settlement, centred around the church. Walter of Douai rebelled against William II, as well as his lands were taken and included in the honour of Marshwood (Dorset), which sublet Townstal and also Dartmouth to the FitzStephens. It was possibly during the very early part of their proprietorship that Dartmouth began to expand as a port, as it was of tactical relevance as a deep-water port for sailing vessels. The port was utilized as the cruising factor for the Crusades of 1147 and also 1190, and also Warfleet Creek, close to Dartmouth Castle is meant by some to be named for the huge fleets which assembled there. Dartmouth was a residence of the Royal Navy from the regime of Edward III and also was twice surprised and sacked during the Hundred Years War, after which the mouth of the estuary was shut every night with a wonderful chain. The narrow mouth of the Dart is protected by two prepared castles, Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle. Initially Dartmouth's only wharf was Bayard's Cove, a reasonably tiny location shielded by a ft at the southerly end of the town.