Local History: The Crimean War

Dartmouth’s rich heritage is told in more than just history books. As you explore Dartmouth you’ll come across street and house names that hark back to different moments in our Town and Country’s history.

Dartmouth and The Crimean War

Alma is a name seen on two properties in Dartmouth and a set of steps in Kingswear, and these link directly to the Crimean War. The first battle in this war took place at the River Alma on September 20th 1854, and was a victory for the Allied Forces of Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire. As a result buildings, streets and even personal names commemorated the victory. Further links between Dartmouth and the Crimean War include John Winsland who served on HMS Queen during the war, returning to Dartmouth afterwards to complete his naval service. He received full naval honours at his burial at Longcross Cemetery. Another resident was Denzil Chamberlayne who was a survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade and is buried at St Petrox churchyard. During heavy fighting at Mount Inkerman Captain Sir Robert Lydston Newman was killed. As a leading member of this still prominent Dartmouth family, he had given over land for the coast road between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, a stunning road that continues to delight today’s visitors.

Image: www.maritimeoriginals.com

HMS Britannia, also a Crimean veteran, accommodated repatriated convalescents and long-term hospital patients from the war while moored in Portsmouth. She moved to the Dart in 1863, beginning the town’s role as host of the Nation’s naval officer cadet training.