GREENERPASTURE Free Family History Since 1999
Seasonal stories & historical reading

Flag associated with Exeter, Devon, England History of Exeter, Devon, England

Journey back in time to Exeter, Devon, England

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Exeter, Devon, England.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Exeter

Exeter, Devon, England - Exeter, Devon, England - Exeter Cathedral
Exeter is a cathedral city in Devon, England, located on the River Exe approximately 36 miles (58 km) northeast of Plymouth and 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Bristol...

During the late 19th century, Exeter became an affluent centre for the wool trade, although by the First World War the city was in decline. After the Second World War, much of the city centre was rebuilt and is now considered to be a centre for modern business and tourism in Devon and Cornwall...
Source
Have family roots in Exeter?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
ADVERTISEMENT
VINTAGE EXETER

Exeter Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Exeter, Devon, England - Exeter Cathedral
Exeter, Devon, England
Postcard
Pinterest
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter, Devon, England -
Exeter, Devon, England
Postcard
Pinterest
Exeter, Devon, England - Guildhall
Exeter, Devon, England
Postcard
Pinterest
Guildhall
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Exeter: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Exeter through the years.

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
Show more local history, news & stories
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
GENEALOGY IN EXETER

Discover YOUR Roots: Exeter Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Exeter through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Exeter, Devon, England

We currently have information about 18 ancestors who were born or died in Exeter.

View ancestors by year of birth
Updated: 9/14/2023 4:08:40 PM
COMMUNITY

Discussion & Local Contributions

Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.

Back to topSearch this place again