Exeter
Originating as a Roman fort, built at the start point of the ancient Fosse Way (a major Roman road running north to Lincoln), Exeter has now grown to become a strategically placed cathedral city. The Romans built a wall around the town in AD 200, since which the, Saxons, Danes and Normans have occupied it, each adding to the fortifications. In fact William the Conqueror laid siege to the town, during the winter of 1068; the only remaining stronghold in England following his victory at Hastings two years earlier. The remains of the original Roman wall are still visible today, most prominently around Southernhay. A 12th century tower still stands at the northernmost corner of the wall, at Rougemont. Near to which is the original gatehouse of the castle built by William the Conqueror.
Exeter's Cathedral Close is a delightful area to visit at the heart of the busy city, with old Elizabethan houses, shops and restaurants, overlooking the spacious lawns around the magnificent Norman Cathedral. The Guildhall, the centre of Exeter's civic life for over 800 years, claims to be the oldest municipal building in the country. Its roof, restored in 1469 during the Wars of the Roses, displays the Bear and Ragged Staff badge of Warwick the Kingmaker.
Many of the city centre's ancient buildings were destroyed during air raids in WWII. One that survived is St Mary Steps Church, on Stepcote Hill, which has a clock on its wall in which the hours are struck by three figures, known locally as Matthew the Miller and his two sons.
Much of Exeter's prosperity in medieval times came from the trade that passed through its quay on the river. In 1290, the port was cut-off by the construction of a weir across the Exe, 3 miles south of the city, by Lady Isabel the Countess of Devon. In 1564, Exeter commissioned England's first ship canal, which eventually brought some trade back to the city. Once located in the canal basin, near Exeter's historic quayside, Exeter's Maritime Museum was sadly closed in 1997. The majority of its exhibits (from a Welsh coracle to Brunel's steam dredger 'Bertha'), were transferred to 'World of Boats' at the fishing port of Eyemouth on the East Coast Scottish Border.
Tourist Information Centre:
Civic Centre, Dix's Field, Exeter EX1 1GF - Tel: 01392 665 700
Places of interest to visit in Exeter
Exeter Cathedral
The two great square castellated towers are the main surviving parts of the original Norman construction, which rise gracefully above its transepts, dedicated to St Peter the Apostle. Founded in 1050, the cathedral was rebuilt in its current form around 1270 ~ 1360. The west face supports one of the largest surviving arrays of 14th century sculpture in Britain. Inside, the 60 ft (18 m) high, oak Bishop's Throne (circa 1313), sits beneath the longest stretch of 13th century Gothic vaulted ceiling in the world. It notably contains some of finest decorated Gothic architecture of any Cathedral in Britain and well worth a pilgrimage. The unusual astronomical clock on the north wall of the transept was provided by Bishop Courtenay, in 1484, along with the 5 ton tower bell.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Opening times: closed until late 2011 for major development - Admission Free
Location: Queen St, Exeter, Devon EX4 3RX - Tel: 01392 665 858
Exeter Castle
The Castle stands on the highest part of the city, to the north-east of the city walls. The reddish colour of its volcanic rock foundations gave it its current name: 'Rougemont Castle'. Not much remains of the early Norman buildings except for the entrance gatehouse. The castle is now privately owned and run as a venue for art exhibitions and music events.
Courtyard opening times: Mon to Fri throughout the year from 7am to 7pm - Admission Free
Location: Castle St, Exeter, Devon EX4 3PU - Tel: 01392 420 703
Free Guided Town Tours
The Red Coat Guides give free 90 minute tours of Exeter throughout the year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Tours start from the Royal Clarence Hotel in Cathedral Yard or from the Quay House Visitor Centre. A City Wall tour is also available, which lasts 2 hours.
For details contact Red Coat Guides - Tel: 01392 265203
Underground Aqueducts
Dating from the 13th century, these underground passages once transported the city's water supply from springs, at the head of the Langbrook Valley, outside the city walls.
Opening times: Mon ~ Sat 9.30am to 5.30pm - Admission Charge
Location: Paris Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3PZ - Tel: 01392 665887
Places to Visit Near Exeter
Buckfast Abbey | Buckland Abbey | Castle Drogo | Compton Castle | Dartmoor | Dartmouth Castle | Exeter Cathedral | Exmoor | Kent's Cavern | Killerton House | Knightshays Court | Lundy Island | Lydford Gorge | Powderham Castle | Saltram
Other Towns and Villages in Devon
Ashburton, Barnstaple, Exeter, Dartmouth, Ilfracombe, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Plymouth, Tavistock, Tiverton, Torquay
Map of Exeter
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