Dartmouth Castle has location on a rocky headland at the mouth of the estuary of the River Dart, The fortification has developed in several stages; the first structure here, completed around 1380, was an enclosed bailey protected by corner towers, while the last addition, in the 19th century, was a thick-walled battery building, equipped with 12 cannon.
The castle was only ever used as an artillery fort,Apart from the ruined curtain wall from the early fort, inland on the southwest side, all buildings are to the east, right on the coastline: a 15th century gun tower, two adjacent gun platforms, the 19th century battery and a lighthouse. The site also includes the 12th century St Petrox Church, incorporated within the walls of the early fort and still in regular use today.
