Why You Should Visit Exeter
Exeter, one of the oldest cities in England, is located on a ledge bordering the shores of the River Exe in the Southwest of England; surrounded by the unequivocal beauty of the Devon landscape.
Being a city of considerable size, Exeter has much to offer regardless of age or interest; the splendor of the sights and attractions the city offers includes stately homes, medieval ruins, gardens, parks and castles as well as St. Peters Cathedral with its twin towers which have dominated the city skyline since the early 12th century. St. Peters, known as Exeter Cathedral, is one of the city's most well visited attractions; as is the unique medieval underground passages located beneath the city. There are also numerous colleges and technical schools located here in addition to the well known Exeter University.
The early history of Exeter may have been of Celtic origin tracing back to the early Dumnonii tribes believed to have been trading with travelers from the Mediterranean region as early as 250 BC, as evidenced by the discovery of coins dating from the Hellenistic period. There is also a theory that this area was a town developed by pre-Roman Gaul. Either way, Exeter has an ancient history with evidence of early Roman occupation during the First Century that continued until the Romans left during the early 5th century. Prior to the Saxon invasion in the Seventh Century, little is known about Exeter other than that there was an Abby located there. First the Saxons, and eventually the Norman King, William the Conqueror, laid siege to Exeter circa l067. This marked a time when Exeter's history began on its journey to becoming a city. William had Rougemont Castle built to insure the town's fealty; the castle ruins still stand today with gardens set below the castle walls in what was once part of the castle moat. The Cathedral of St. Peter which was started during the early 1100's was consecrated in 1133. It was designed in the Norman Romanesque architectural style, situated on a ridge making the twin towers visible over a great distance. The following century gave rise to a weekly market, and by 1281 Exeter was the only town in the southwest to have three markets a week, and seven annual fairs.
By the time of the Civil War, Exeter was an economically powerful city, in part due to its well known wool trade. Captured by the Royalists, the city remained in their hands until near the end of the war, at which time the Parliamentary forces regained control. Exeter appears not to have suffered extensive damage in war until WW II, when the city sustained extensive damage during bombings by the German Luftwaffe. Between 1940 and 1942 forty acres of the city were damaged; the city centre was leveled, historic buildings were destroyed and the Cathedral of St. Peter was damaged. The ruins of St. Catherine's Chapel and Almshouses, bombed in May 1942, has been left as a memorial, with redevelopment of the area taking place behind the Chapel. During reconstruction of Exeter Cathedral, Roman Baths were discovered under the foundation.
There are numerous places of interest in Exeter, including historic buildings in the Cathedral close, Roman walls still remain, the Quay, remains of St. Nicholas Priory, St. Mary Steps, "The House That Moved" inch by inch, the extremely narrow Parliament Street, the open air Shakespearean performance on the grounds of Rougemont Castle, museums and galleries and let us not forget the ancient cable ferry, Butts Ferry, that takes you across the River Exe. For fans of Dickens there is The Turks Head, a 15th Century Inn located next to the historic Guildhall, which is said to be the Inn where Dickens discovered the model for his "Fat Boy" characterization in the 1837 Pickwick Papers.
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