South Hams
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about South Hams from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of South Hams' most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Blackdown Rings prehistoric hillfort and medieval castle
Loddiswell
The Blackdown Rings site includes well-preserved prehistoric hillforts and medieval ringworks with strategic historical significance, showcasing defensive structures and continuous land use...
Dartington Hall
Dartington
Early and mid-C20 gardens principally designed by H Avray Tipping, Beatrix Farrand and Percy Cane, with a walled medieval deer park and a wider early-C20 landscape surrounding early 1930s...
World War II Heavy Anti-aircraft gunsite, 100m west of Pr…
Wembury
The Down Thomas HAA gunsite is a significant World War II relic, offering insights into Plymouth's defense against German bombers, with well-preserved gun emplacements and command...
Sharpham House
Ashprington
The 18th-century Sharpham House estate features designs by Sir Robert Taylor and possible landscape work by Lancelot Brown, reflecting historical transitions and ownership by notable...
Greenway
Kingswear
Greenway is historic pleasure grounds known for its picturesque style, linked to figures like Sir John Gilbert and Agatha Christie, and features extensive gardens and a historic house.
D-Day landing craft maintenance site on the River Dart, 5…
Stoke Gabriel
The D-Day landing craft maintenance site on the River Dart was crucial for Operation Overlord. It retains original features, highlighting its importance in World War II efforts.
Hillfort and two bowl barrows at Halwell Camp
Halwell and Moreleigh
The hillfort at Halwell Camp includes a slight univallate fortification and two bowl barrows, highlighting the area's historical continuity from the Late Neolithic to the Iron Age.
HMS/m D1
1 nautical mile south-east of the eastern Blackstone, off Dartmouth, Devon.
The wreck comprises the remains of HMS/m D1, a submarine commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1909.
Boringdon Camp hillfort and associated remains
Sparkwell
Boringdon Camp hillfort, a well-preserved Iron Age site, features ramparts, ditches, and a ring ditch. It holds archaeological importance for its insights into ancient settlement patterns.
Civil War fieldwork known as Gallant's Bower
Dartmouth
Gallant's Bower, a well-preserved English Civil War fieldwork, protected Dartmouth. Despite slight damage, its earthworks offer significant insights into Civil War fortifications.
Coleton Fishacre
Kingswear
Coleton Fishacre, an early 20th-century Arts and Crafts garden, was developed by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyle Carte, featuring rare plants and architectural elements along a scenic coastal...
Coronation Boathouse and adjacent store building
Thurlestone
A large boathouse of 1937 built to mark the coronation of King George VI and a small adjacent stone store building formerly part of a pilchard fishing community on a small quay.
Flete
Holbeton
Flete features late 19th-century gardens and grounds surrounding a manor evolved since the 16th century, associated with historical figures like the Hele family and Russell Page’s garden...
Dartmouth Castle
Dartmouth
Dartmouth Castle features a medieval enclosure castle with a Grade I listed 14th-century mansion and chain tower.
Gomerock Tower
Kingswear
Gommerock Tower, a rare chain tower from the late 15th century, exemplifies strategic coastal defense on the Dart Estuary against maritime threats.
Staverton Bridge
Dartington
Staverton Bridge, built in 1413, spans the River Dart in Devon with seven arches. Indulgences for its rebuilding were issued by Bishop Stafford.
Berry Pomeroy Castle: a defended residence and Tudor mansion
Berry Pomeroy
Berry Pomeroy Castle is a late 15th-century defended residence that became a Tudor mansion with notable architectural features, including a gatehouse and impressive ruins.
Bayard's Cove Castle: a blockhouse in Dartmouth
Dartmouth
Bayard's Cove Castle is a well-preserved early 16th-century artillery blockhouse, part of coastal defences at Dartmouth Harbour, significant for its military historical importance.
Cornworthy Priory
Cornworthy
Cornworthy Priory, the most westerly nunnery in England, features significant 15th-century gatehouse remains despite its historical poverty. It was an Augustinian community until 1536.
Part of the Dartmeet coaxial field system and other archa…
Holne
Dartmoor's extensive archaeological remains reveal its rich Bronze Age history and later agricultural practices with well-preserved settlements, stone huts, and field systems.
Fort Bovisand
Wembury
Fort Bovisand is one of the most complete Royal Commission maritime defences, protecting British coasts with evolving artillery from the 16th century until 1956.
Hillfort known as Slapton Castle
Stokenham
Slight univallate hillforts, like Slapton Castle, rare and nationally significant, reveal Bronze to Iron Age transitions. Slapton's features are crucial despite post-1946 cultivation.
The Goreus Stone, immediately west of St Bartholomew's Ch…
Yealmpton
The Goreus Stone, a 6th-century early Christian memorial stone in Devon, is inscribed with 'GOREUS' and was relocated in 1851. It's a rare example in south-west England.
Two cairns with stone rows E of Collard Tor on Wotter Common
Shaugh Prior
Dartmoor's two stone alignments and cairns are vital for understanding prehistoric ceremonial uses, with well-preserved features providing insights into land use changes since the Late...
Luscombe Cross
Harberton
Luscombe Cross is a rare medieval preaching cross, repurposed as a direction post in the 17th century, notable for its preservation and historical evolution.
Deer park pale, 460m north east of Lyneham House
Yealmpton
Deer parks were medieval hunting grounds, enclosed and managed for deer and other animals, playing a significant role in the lifestyle of nobility.
Site of a medieval fortified house at Leigh Barton, inclu…
Churchstow
Leigh Barton, a medieval fortified farmhouse in Devon, exemplifies historic architectural significance with features like gatehouses and fishponds, despite alterations over centuries.
Hillfort on Brent Hill
South Brent
Brent Hill is a well-preserved slight univallate hillfort with outworks, hut circle platforms, and a historic beacon, showcasing strategic importance throughout history.
Eastern White Barrow
South Brent
Dartmoor's Eastern White Barrow, a prominent Bronze Age round cairn, serves as a significant territorial boundary, reflecting its historical and cultural importance through time.
Prehistoric and historic archaeological landscape at Trow…
Shaugh Prior
The prehistoric and historic landscape at Trowlesworthy Warren on Dartmoor reflects extensive human activity since prehistoric times, featuring settlements, field systems, and industrial...
Totnes Signal Box
Totnes
Railway signal box, now a café. Constructed in 1923 for the Great Western Railway.
Two prehistoric hilltop enclosures, a ditch system and fo…
Marldon
The prehistoric hilltop enclosures and associated ditch system are nationally important for understanding Bronze Age to Early Iron Age transitions, despite ploughing damage.
K6 Telephone Kiosk
South Huish
K6 Telephone kiosk designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and made by various contractors.
The Pumping Station
Totnes
Atmospheric Railway pumping house. 1848 for the South Devon Railway by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Iron Age cliff castle known as Bolt Tail Camp
South Huish
Bolt Tail Camp, the only South Devon cliff castle, reveals Iron Age defense methods with natural cliffs and man-made ramparts, despite erosion, preserving archaeological evidence.
Chambered cairn at Ball Gate, Corringdon Ball
South Brent
Dartmoor's chambered cairns provide insights into Middle Neolithic ceremonial practices.
Totnes Castle
Totnes
Totnes Castle's shell keep, motte, and baileys are well-preserved, offering insights into medieval architecture and society. Owned by the Duke of Somerset's ancestors.
Horn's Cross
Holne
Horn's Cross is a medieval wayside cross on Dartmoor, marking a historical route between Tavistock and Buckfast Abbeys. It provides insight into medieval routeways and settlement patterns.
Explore more
Search for more listed places in South HamsSouth Hams through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how South Hams changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of South Hams
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Berry Pomeroy
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Berry Pomeroy, 1947
Berry Pomeroy
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Berry Pomeroy, 1947
Dartington
Dartington Hall, Dartington, 1947
Dartington
Dartington Hall, Dartington, 1947
Totnes
Daws Creamery (a former atmospheric railway engine house) and environs, Totnes, 1937
Totnes
Daws Creamery (a former atmospheric railway engine house) and environs, Totnes, 1937
Modbury
Modbury and surroundings, Modbury, 1928
Modbury
The town, Modbury, 1930
Kingsbridge
Prince of Wales Road and environs, Kingsbridge, 1928
Kingsbridge
The town and surrounding countryside, Kingsbridge, 1930
South Hams in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of South Hams' past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
Revelstoke, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking through trees towards the ruins of St Peter's Church
Eric de Mare
Bigbury, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior view of St Lawrence's Church in Bigbury showing the eagle lectern.
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1955 - 1965
A view of a herd of cows in a large field, with a misty rural landscape of fields and a large hill in the background. Photographed near Newton Ferrers
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Bovisand Bay, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1955
View at sunset showing two young children exploring the shoreline of Bovisand Bay near Plymouth
John Gay Collection: Counties
Newton Ferrers, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1950s
A view up Newton Hill, Newton Ferrers, showing people walking along the road passing small cottages and an Ilford Pharmacy
John Laing Collection
South Hams, Devon
Date created: 02 Jun 1956
People disembarking from the Dartmouth Higher Ferry at Britannia Crossing on the east bank of the River Dart during a Laing staff day trip to Paignton
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Slapton Village, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1884
A general view looking towards the village of Slapton with the West Tower of the Collegiate Chantry of St Mary in the foreground
Margaret Tomlinson Collection
South Hams, Devon
Date created: 01 Jan 1944 - 17 Jul 1944
The bombed ruins of St Andrew's Church seen from the south-east
Walter Scott
Torcross, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1947
A view looking north along Slapton Sands, with the Start Bay Inn in the foreground and people buying refreshments from a kiosk
Charles George Harper Collection
Noss Mayo, South Hams, Devon
Date created: 1892 - 1933
The village of Noss Mayo seen from the Creek, with the tower of St Peter's Church in the background
Margaret Tomlinson Collection
South Hams, Devon
Date created: 01 Jan 1944 - 17 Jul 1944
The interior of the bombed ruins of St Andrew's Church seen from the west
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about South Hams. Skip this section and go to education
Narrative Structures: England’s Literary History in 11 Places
Mentions Greenway House
Discover the historic sites in England where famous writers found their inspiration.
5 Things to Know About Coronations
Mentions Coronation Boathouse and adjacent store building
Discover the history and heritage behind the ancient English coronation ceremony.
Six Seaside Gems Listed
Mentions Coronation Boathouse and adjacent store building
Historic England announces the listing of six seaside heritage sites spanning some of England’s best-loved coastal locations.
South Hams' social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Tower House, Devon Road, Salcombe, Devon
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The Tower House is in the grounds of Stonehanger. It is believed to date from around 1795.
Tower House, Devon Road, Salcombe, Devon
Totnes Castle, Totnes, Devon
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Totnes Castle was first built as a motte and bailey castle by Judhael of Brittany shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066 AD.
Totnes Castle, Totnes, Devon
The Shambles, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Looking north along Fore Street, with The Shambles or Market House to the left.
The Shambles, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon
The Old Workhouse, Brook Street, Slapton, Devon
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The old parish workhouse is dated 1822 and is said to have been built from the rent of the curate's house.
The Old Workhouse, Brook Street, Slapton, Devon
The Old Cider Factory, New Walk, Totnes, Devon
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This former malthouse dates from the early 19th century.
The Old Cider Factory, New Walk, Totnes, Devon
The Old Battery, Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth, Devon
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A good example of a small Victorian artillery fort dating from 1861. It was built on the site of Lamberds Bulwark, later known as Maiden Fort.
The Old Battery, Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth, Devon
The Guildhall, Guildhall Yard, Totnes, Devon
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The Guildhall dates from around 1553 and was built on the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary which was founded by Judhael in 1086.
The Guildhall, Guildhall Yard, Totnes, Devon
The Butterwalk, Duke Street, Dartmouth, Devon
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Four boys with a handcart standing in front of The Butterwalk.