The ancient borough of Totnes enjoys a prominent position above the River dart. The town is one of Devon's gems; full of both colour and character, that stems from a rich cultural, historical and archaeological heritage. It is the second oldest borough in England, and is full of interesting diversions for the visitor - museums, a riverside with steamer quay, an ancient Guildhall and Church, a Norman Castle and the North and East Gates. The town is an architectural feast to those interested in historic buildings - with fine examples of properties dating back to Norman, Medieval and Tudor times. The name Totnes derives from the Saxon for a fort or lookout on a ridge. The town is known to have been a fortified Saxon settlement, built to protect the upper reaches of the river from Viking raiding parties.

Totnes has a long history; it was one of the five Devonshire towns originally mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It was one of the wealthiest towns in medieval and Tudor Devon (second only to Exeter) - the town's wealth, and prosperity, built upon the export of wool from sheep reared on nearby Dartmoor and the export of locally mined tin. The town's location helped contribute to this success - being both the highest port navigable, and the lowest bridging place on the river Dart.

Key Stats

• There has been significant population growth since 1991 in the area, roughly in line with the county figure but higher than the district figure. The population is around 8,200.
• The level of households occupied by individuals in the market town area as a whole is quite high, especially in Totnes parish where the figure is just below 40%.
• Economic activity rates as a whole within the market town area are about average compared to the county and national averages but Totnes parish has more part-time workers and less full-time and self employed workers. Self-employment levels in the surrounding hinterland are significantly higher than the county and national averages and may well reflect those involved in farming or tourism.
• Claim rates for Income Support are high in Totnes parish (double the county average). Claim rates for Job Seekers Allowance follow a similar trend.
• The number of households with an annual income of less than £20,000 is about average in the overall market town area but much higher in Totnes parish (almost 50%).
• The percentage of employment by industry sector of those living in the market town area highlights the main sectors of employment as wholesale & retail trade, health & social work, manufacturing and education. This represents more than 50% of employment in the market town area.
• Achievement rates for GCSEs at grades A* to C were also better for children living outside Totnes parish but results here are still slightly above the county average in the A* – C category.
• Select here for more statistics about Totnes and surrounding area. (1.33MB - pdf help)