History of Exeter, Devon, England

1500 - Exeter had a population of around 8,000.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1501 - The Princess Catherine, the future Catherine of Aragon, stayed at Exeter Castle on her way to be married to Henry VIII.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1564 - The city commissioned England's first ship canal in a bid to boost trade.
The canal, under 2 miles long, was dug around the wier, constructed in 1290, which obstructed shipping trade into the port. The work was completed in 1566.
http://www.visitoruk.com

1612 - Northernhay Gardens was originally laid out as a pleasure walk for Exeter residents. It is the oldest public open space in England.

http://www.visitoruk.com/

1633 - The Exeter Free Grammar School was opened in August. It was attended mainly by the sons of the City freemen.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1642 - At the outbreak of the Civil War, Exeter was garrisoned for parliament against the king.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1643 - Royalist forces under Prince Maurice and Sir John Berkeley captured Exeter following a siege.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1680s - Exeter experienced a period of great prosperity as a result of the flourishing Devon cloth industry. This was accompanied by rapid expansion with many new houses being built and the population rising to around 13,000.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1684 - Alice Molland was executed at Exeter for witchcraft, the last execution for witchcraft in England.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1707 - Exeter's first newspaper was launched.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1769 - The first bank in Exeter opened.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1832 - A cholera epidemic killed 440 people in Exeter

http://www.visitoruk.com

1882 - Horse drawn trams were introduced in Exeter.

http://www.visitoruk.com

1895 - Exeter
Ex'eter, a city of England, co. of Devon, on the left bank of the Exe, 10 miles N.W. of its outlet in the English Channel, 159 miles W.S.W. of London, at a railway junction, lat. 50° 44' N., lon. 3° 33' W., pleasantly situated on the summit and slopes of an acclivity rising from the river. Two principal streets cross each other at right angles, from which a number of smaller streets, extremely narrow, diverge. It is well paved and lighted, amply supplied with water, and remarkably clean. £ chief object of interest in the city is the cathedral, a noble edifice, of high antiquity. It is cruciform, 408 feet in length, its W. front, being richly decorated, presenting one of the most beautiful façades in Europe. The other architectural £ are the remains of the castle of Rougemont, on a high eminence N. of the city, St. John's Hospital, now a free grammar-school, the chapels of St. Wynard and St. Anne, and the chapel of the Lepers' Hospital. The modern edifices worthy of notice are the... Read MORE...

Here's a list of must-visit places and things to do in Exeter:
Exeter Cathedral: Explore the stunning Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral, a 900-year-old masterpiece with beautiful stained glass windows and a rooftop offering panoramic city views.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM): Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture at RAMM, featuring diverse collections and fascinating exhibitions.

Historic Underground Passages: Delve beneath the city's streets on a guided tour of the Medieval Underground Passages, a unique and informative experience.

Powderham Castle: Take a short drive to Powderham Castle, an exquisite historic estate along the River Exe, offering castle tours, gardens, and family-friendly activities.

Quayside: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque River Exe at Quayside, where you can dine at waterside restaurants and explore attractions like the Quay Climbing Centre.

Exeter's Historic Walks: Join themed walking tours to discover Exeter's history and architecture, including ghost tours, city ... Read MORE...