Saltash, Cornwall is settlement and ferry crossing over the River Tamar that has existed here since Roman times. Saltash, being close to Plymouth, produced many sailors for the navy, including Raleigh and Drake.
After the Norman conquest a motte-and-bailey castle was built in a commanding position 1.5 miles south-east of Trematon village.(on the outskirts of Saltash near the village of Forde). The castle was linked to the early Christian cathedral at St. Germans.
Saltash was the birthplace of Mary Newman, Drake's first wife. It is a cottage in Culver Street. Sir Francis Drake is also believed to have used the port to unload Spanish treasure ships. Mary Newmans supposed home dates from about 1480 and is by far the oldest building which remains intact in Saltash. Very few simple dwellings have survived as intact as Mary Newman’s Cottage, giving an insight into life in the 1400’s. It contains fine early furniture, and has a peaceful garden with views down the Tamar estuary.
Saltash was active during the Civil War, 1642-46, fighting took place on several occasions with the destruction of many buildings.
Today Isambard Kingdom Brunel's last engineering masterpiece, the 1859 iron railway bridge spans the River Tamar, with the 1961 road bridge beside it. The ferry continued to operate for road and passenger services until 1961 when the Tamar road bridge opened. A new Ferry now operates to the Barbican in Plymouth and Calstock.
Many of Saltash’s old buildings have been destroyed as a result of enemy action during World War II. The ‘Blitz’ was also responsible for the loss of valuable items such as commercial photographers’ plates, local newspaper files and the records of many businesses.
Saltash has an 18th century Guildhall on granite pillars in the town centre,and the parish church has an unusual 17th century clock in its church tower
Overlooking the Lynher estuary is the National Trust property of Antony House, a classic Queen Anne building.
Upstream, on a tributary of the Lynher, is the 12th century church of St Germans, built on the site of an earlier monastery which had been the seat of the bishops of Cornwall.
Saltash, Cornwall genealogical information from Genuki
Saltash a book by Joan Rendell