Many people of note have lived in/around of Dartmouth over the centuries (e.g. Thomas Newcomen, Agatha Christie, Robert Graves, John Hawley, Flora Thompson etc).
Our unique series "Famous Sons & Daughters" describes a selection of them.
Click on "View All Articles" to view the full series.
A specially designed commemorative stone is to be laid in honour of the Dartmouth-born holder of the Victoria Cross, Corporal Theodore Veale . Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.8: Thomas Newcomen (1663 - 1729). One of the worlds most important and significant inventors, born in Dartmouth in 1664 Thomas Newcomen invented the world’s first steam engine in 1712. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.9 - George Parker Bidder (1806 - 1878). A remarkable man whose computer-like mathematical brain made him a childhood celebrity and won him national admiration as Britain was transformed by the Industrial Revolution. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.17: Arthur Howe Holdsworth (1780–1860). With his architectural expertise, his inventor’s mind and his desire to lead, he changed the landscape of Dartmouth forever. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.16: Dr Michael Foale (1957- ). A regualr visitor to the area since childhood, he is probably best known for his time with the Russian Space Station. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.11: Robert Graves (1895 -1985). The acclaimed war poet and novelist spent several years living and working at Galmpton during tWW2 and some scholars have described this as one of his most prolific periods of writing. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughter No.14: Dame Agatha Christie (1890-1976). The best selling author of all time made her home on the banks of the River Dart. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughter No:12: Samuel Lake (1842-1887). An engineer and inventor whose entrepreneurial spirit played a major part in the affairs of Dartmouth in the later part of the 1800s. Read more
Lt. Commander Arthur Leyland Harrison VC (1886-1918). Locally born and a graduate of the BRNC he received the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in WW1. Read more
Famous Sons and Daughters No.18: Rachel Kempson (1910 - 2003). A successful actress in her own right, married to one of the biggest ever names in British theatre and film, and their family has been described as a thespian dynasty. Read more
Famous Sons and Daughters No.15: John Davis (1543 - 1605). A true adventurer and explorer of Elizabethan times with close connections to Sir Walter Raleigh. Read more
Famous Sons and Daughters No 13 - William Cumming Henley (1860-1919) - A man with a voracious thirst for knowledge, who sought to understand the world around him... Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.10: The Seale Family. Over four centuries, this family left an indelible mark on Dartmouth. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.1: Corp Theodore W.H. Veale VC - A real hero – a son of the town – who risked his life in the incredible rescue of another man from under the guns of the enemy forces in the First World War. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.2: Christopher Milne found fame as the inspiration for Christoper Robin in his father's stories of Winnie the Pooh. Tired of the attention, he escaped to Dartmouth.. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.3: John Hawley dominated Dartmouth life in the Middle Ages. A wealthy merchant and landowner, local politician, skilful mariner, privateer, battle hero, he was also a legendary pirate! Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.4: Flora Thompson (1876 - 1947), author of Lark Rise to Candleford. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.5: Humprey Gilbert. Born on the River Dart, Humphrey Gilbert was the navigator, soldier and explorer half brother of Sir Walter Raleigh – an intelligent and bloodthirsty knight. Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.7: Rev John Flavel (1628 - 1691). A man who refused to bow to convention or law and preached the gospel his way Read more
Famous Sons & Daughters No.6: Lt Col Herbert “H” Jones was the most senior officer to be killed in the Falklands conflict. The 42-year-old, who commanded 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, died in a hail of gunfire as he charged enemy positions Read more
