Tuesday 12th November 2024, in the Flavel at 5.00 p.m., Jonathan Turner gave us a talk on The Ropewalks and Ropemakers of Dartmouth 1330-1870.
We were delighted to welcome over 80 members and friends to our November meeting when D&K member Jonathan Turner gave us a fascinating talk on the ropewalks of Dartmouth. Thanks to his association with Dartmouth Museum and the Dartmouth History Research Group Jonathan had identified five places in Dartmouth where, for over 500 hundred years, ropes were made for the sailing ships trading in the middle-ages. Sailing ships of that period needed ropes – miles and miles of rope. At that time Dartmouth was one of the most important British ports with ropemaking first mentioned in 1330. Ropes were also needed for the bells of St. Saviour’s and the guns at the Castle.
The ropemakers used hemp, twisting and spinning it into lengths which were then twisted into rope. However, as ships got bigger, longer ropes were needed hence the need for ropewalks as the ropemakers walked backwards spinning their threads. With the introduction of steam ships the demand for rope gradually declined with the last ropewalk closing around 1875. There is little trace now of the ropewalks but you can still walk along Lake Street which was opened in 1809 on land reclaimed from the Mill Pond and Dyers Hill overlooking Above Town where there were two ropewalks with the longest measuring 1300 ft. If you want to know more do read Jonathan’s article in the October/November issue of By the Dart.
No more talks until October 2025 but the Society gets together again for a Winter Warmer Lunch at Stoke Lodge Hotel on 28th February 2025.
These talks last about an hour followed by a glass of wine/soft drink in the Flavel’s bar area. Free admission to all D&K members. Visitors very welcome, including the drink, for an admission charge of £5 payable on the door. No need to book ahead.
