The American Connection
A popular destination for visitors from America, Dartmouth offers a tranquil escape from the crowds associated with other well-known tourist sites in the area. Unsurprisingly, international visitors who have explored Devon return home not only enthusing about its beauty but also sharing newfound insights into the deep and fascinating historical connections between America, Canada, and Devon that span many centuries.
A quaint village near Slapton Sands conceals its American connection except for one poignant reminder—a Sherman tank. This tank unveils a tragic episode from years past. In 1943, the British government identified Slapton Sands as a suitable replica of Utah Beach, so a training ground was established, leading to the evacuation of 3,000 locals and the arrival of 30,000 American troops. This was part of Exercise Tiger, organised for April 1944 to simulate the forthcoming D-Day landings, but due to coordination and communication issues, and a German E-boat attack, nearly 1,000 American servicemen lost their lives. Survivors were sworn to secrecy, and it was not reported until August 1944, coinciding with the casualty lists from the D-Day landings. The episode stayed unrecognised for decades until the 1970s when Ken Small, a local hotelier, discovered evidence of the events on Slapton Sands while beachcombing. Despite minimal support from the US and British governments, Small spearheaded an effort to raise a Sherman tank from the seabed in 1984, transforming it into a memorial for those who perished.
An iconic and famous jail boasts a history spanning over two centuries, with construction commencing in 1806. Originally established to accommodate French and American prisoners of war during ongoing conflicts, it became a notable site during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain when American captives began arriving in 1813. The prison conditions were harsh, marked by overcrowding and unsanitary surroundings, leading to severe outbreaks of disease. Within a brief span of three to four years, 271 Americans (alongside 11,000 French prisoners) succumbed to these harsh conditions. Today, Dartmoor Prison remains operational, housing around 670 inmates. The facility features an intriguing and unique museum that delves into the prison’s history, providing insights into the lives of those who resided there.
Symbolising one of the departure points for the renowned journey undertaken by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620, aboard the Mayflower & Speedwell. Following a challenging 2,750-mile voyage across the Atlantic that spanned 66 days, the ship arrived at Provincetown Harbour, where the crew set foot on American soil, establishing the first permanent colony in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts.
People from all over the world can trace their ancestry back to Devon. The pursuit of genealogy has gained considerable popularity in recent times, with people making great efforts to explore the origins of their ancestors. Devon, in particular, captures the attention of family historians, given the multitude of individuals who once left this region in search of greener pastures. The allure of religious freedom, prospects of gold and other wealth, increased land ownership, and the desire to avoid conflict were compelling factors that motivated people to leave their familiar surroundings and embrace life in distant and diverse locations.
Given its rich naval and seafaring heritage, Devon was destined to give rise to explorers who, in turn, set foot on American soil in its early pre-colonial days.
Born in 1552 and raised in a house called Hayes Barton in the village of East Budleigh, Devon, Raleigh stands as one of the world’s most renowned explorers. He played a crucial role in the English colonisation of North America and is famously associated with popularising tobacco in England. His life, rich with adventure, concluded with his execution in 1618. Raleigh’s family pew still exists in the church in East Budleigh, which is open to visitors.
Born in Devon in the mid-16th century, Drake is arguably Britain’s most renowned maritime adventurer. Among his notable achievements are the completion of the first Englishman’s circumnavigation of the globe and his pivotal role in defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588. In June 1579, Drake made landfall on the California coast, asserting English dominion over the territory, which he named Nova Albion (New Britain). In Devon, visitors can explore Buckland Abbey, where Drake resided for many years.
Born in Devon in 1539, Gilbert was a renowned explorer and soldier known for asserting English sovereignty over Newfoundland in 1583 on behalf of the Crown. Serving during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, he was the half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh and played a pioneering role in colonisation. Compton Castle in Devon, the residence of the Gilbert family for six centuries, is a dramatic fortified manor house with gardens and is now owned by the National Trust.
John Graves Simcoe, born in Exeter in 1752, embarked on a military career eventually participating in the American War of Independence. In 1791, he became the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. Arriving in the newly designated province in June 1792 amidst what was essentially a wilderness, Simcoe implemented a British system of governance. The settlement he founded later evolved into the city of Toronto. A monument honouring Simcoe can be found in Exeter Cathedral.
