Saltash Passage
Saltash Passage lies on the east bank of the River Tamar, in the Cornish patch detached part of Cornwall locally situate in Devon. It forms part of the ancient parish of St Budeaux. Saltash Passage developed alongside the ferry across the River Tamar to Saltash. The Manor of Trematon had rights to the waters and both banks of the Tamar, hence the Cornish patch was the Manor’s “foothold” on the Devon side to allow it to operate the ferry.
Saltash Passage lies at the northern end of Wolseley Road, previously known as Ferry Road. The local railway station continues to be known as Ferry Road Station. Saltash Passage is named after the ferry route that carried passengers and vehicles between Saltash in Cornwall and Plymouth, across the River Tamar. The ferry became uneconomic following the construction of the Tamar Bridge in 1961. Saltash Passage is a popular leisure destination in summer - with children crabbing, fishing and swimming, while their parents enjoy an open-air drink or two.
Saltash Passage is home to two pubs: the Royal Albert Bridge Inn and the Ferry House Inn. The Ferry House Inn has recently been extended to include accommodation. The area also hosts the Tamar River Sailing Club, a number of moorings and two public slipways. There is a small formal park that has a children's playground.
Tamar Bridge and Royal Albert Bridge
The two bridges dominate the view to the north, the Tamar Bridge (opened 1961) carrying the A38 road and the Royal Albert Bridge (opened 1859) carrying the Cornish Main Line to Penzance.
D-Day Memorial
A 12 foot tall memorial stone with a bronze plaque stands in the gardens, commemorating the embarcation of American and British troops for the D-Day landings of World War II. In 2004, a service was held for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
Outside links
- Wikishire map: 50°24’11"N, 4°11’56"W
- Plymouth Cyber-Heritage site
- Old photos of Saltash Passage
- Tamar River Sailing Club
- The Ferry House Inn
- Plymouth City Council Information Panel for Saltash Passage
