On Easter Monday, we dined at Tôtes, a solitary inn ((Almost certainly the “Auberge du cygne” or Swan Inn in Tôtes built in 1611 as a coaching inn -GS))  between Rouen and Dieppe, at which latter place we arrived. This town is situated between two mountains, not unpleasantly, and is washed on the north by our English seas.

“Profil de la ville de Dieppe” by Israel Silvestre. 1650. From BNF.

The port is commodious; but the entrance difficult. It has one very ample and fair street, in which is a pretty church. The Fort Pollet consists of a strong earth-work, and commands the haven, as on the other side does the castle, which is also well fortified, with the citadel before it; nor is the town itself a little strong. It abounds with workmen, who make and sell curiosities of ivory ((Many examples of these ivory items can be seen today in the Château de Dieppe -GS)) and tortoise-shells; and indeed whatever the East Indies afford of cabinets, porcelain, natural and exotic rarities, are here to be had, with abundant choice.

Detail from “Plan de Dieppe” showing citadel / chat to left and Fort du Pollet to the right of map. Source:BNF.