Exeter was already an established settlement when the Romans arrived and built a fortress here in AD50. Around AD120 Exeter was redeveloped by the Romans with walled defences. The city wall was first built around AD200 and much of it still stands.
This gatehouse was built by William the Conqueror soon after 1066 as part of the Norman castle of Rougemont.
Before the law courts were built in 1774 the castle was used for trials. It was here the Devon Witches were tried.
Surviving part of the medieval Exe bridge built about 1200. It looks from this photo that traffic actually uses it but that is the road that runs alongside it.
This is known as the House that Moved. This 15th century timber framed merchant's house was jacked up and moved on rollers from its original home to prevent its destruction during road widening.
This is the church of St Mary Steps. Dating from 1150 it is known for its clock.
The clock was made in 1619 and is called 'Matthew the Miller and his sons'.
Next to the church are these very steep steps. There is a handrail attached to the building to help you climb up.
In another part of the city not too far away is the Tudor House. It is thought that the house was built in 1660-too late for it to be called Tudor.
I was so pleased to have stopped over in Exeter on my way to the Scilly Isles. It is a city with a lot of history and much to see.
The House that Moved definitely looks the worse for wear lol
ReplyDeleteIt amuses to learn how old so many structures are, and yet we are pulling down buildings only constructed in the 1980s and 1990s. The timbered house that was moved looks rather top heavy.
ReplyDeleteStreet views are so priceless here
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the tour. I'm glad you stopped off in Exeter too :)
ReplyDeleteExeter is a city worth visiting, with so much to explore. The clock is so attractive. Thank you for the guided tour. 😃
ReplyDeleteI haven’t even tried to comment for a long time and I am amazed when I am allowed to today! But really amazing is that that wall built so long ago still stands. We have been watching Time Team and enjoying it so much. I thought I knew a good bit about British history, but this show has been fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI've heard Exeter is a very old place, wasn't it part of viking invasions too? Good to see the history still there.
ReplyDeleteSo much to see in Exeter, and so rich in History.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I have noticed that the Romans have been everywhere where I was going (except the USA) but from the North to the South and even on your island they have been ! I should travel where they have not been ! Exeter looks like a lovely interesting town ! You are lucky to be able to travel again, I have to wait until I am real fit, the cortisone poison has really damaged my health when I was on the good way ! Hopefully next year I will be OK. My friend Laurence (77) made her first parachute jump yesterday!!
ReplyDeleteNot for me ! The smallest airplane I ever took had 6 seats and flew from Rome to Catania ! It was in 1964 and there was no airport in Sicily !
A marvelous place.
ReplyDelete