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Founded by King Edgar ( 959 - 975 ) the town follows the line of the Saxon town, like Chester it is close to a river ( the Dart ) which was also to silt up with sand . The two main streets are East Gate and Fore Street, the East Gate has been remodelled with the upper half being retained with a Tudor style arch and ornate clock, the lower half has been widened to take motor vehicles. The Totnes market evolved with the use of Chester style covered rows, locally called piazzas due to the similarity with the colonnaded walks of the Italian piazzas, evidence of this can still be seen on the Butterwalk on the High Street, a convenience for everybody on those inclement English days |
Totnes has a remained a traditional market town and shopping centre, with development from as early as thirteenth century the size of both the retail sector and suburban quarters has increased .
( English Market Towns Russell Chamberlin )
