Exeter history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Exeter is rooted in deep antiquity, making it one of the most significant historical centres in the United Kingdom. Although settlements of Celtic tribes existed on these lands as early as the Iron Age, the official birth of the city is associated with the arrival of the Romans.

Around 55 AD, a Roman fortress was founded here, named Isca Dumnoniorum ("Water of the Dumnonii"). It served as the base for the legendary Second Augustan Legion and was the most south-westerly outpost of Roman authority on the island.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a military camp into a thriving city was driven by several important factors:

• Geography and Waterways: The city was situated on the eastern bank of the navigable River Exe, on a dry ridge, which provided natural protection and access to the sea for trade.
• Road Network: Exeter became the terminus of the strategically important Roman road, the Fosse Way, linking the south-west of the country with Lincoln and the rest of Britain.
• Administrative Status: After the legion relocated, the city became the capital of the civilian district (civitas) of the local Dumnonii tribe, retaining its function as the political centre of the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the first centuries of its existence, Exeter developed as a bustling trade hub. Archaeological finds indicate that local residents actively imported goods such as olive oil and high-quality ceramics from Gaul and the Mediterranean.

The cultural landscape of the early city was shaped by Roman civilization: public baths (thermae), a forum, and a basilica were built here. The most important legacy of that era remains the massive city walls, fragments of which have survived to this day, reminding us of Exeter's ancient grandeur.

The Middle Ages: From Saxons to Normans

• Around 680 — The future Saint Boniface, the "Apostle of Germany", begins his education at the monastery in Exeter.
• 928 — King Athelstan strengthens the city walls and establishes the River Tamar as the boundary with Cornwall.
• 1050 — Bishop Leofric moves the episcopal see from Crediton to Exeter, raising the city's religious status.
• 1068 — After an 18-day siege, the city surrenders to William the Conqueror, who orders the construction of Rougemont Castle.
• 1114 — Construction begins on the current Exeter Cathedral, of which two Norman towers survive to this day.
• 1280–1370 — The cathedral is rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic style, acquiring its modern majestic appearance.

Modern Era: Trade and Development

• 1566 — The Exeter Ship Canal opens, one of the oldest artificial waterways in the United Kingdom.
• 1646 — During the Civil War, the city, being a Royalist stronghold, surrenders to Parliamentary troops.
• 1682 — Exeter hosts the last trial and execution in England for witchcraft accusations (the so-called "Bideford witches").
• 1778 — Construction of the bridge over the River Exe is completed, improving transport links with the western districts.

19th–21st Centuries: Modernization and Modernity

• 1844 — The Great Western Railway reaches the city, linking Exeter with London and Bristol.
• 1942 — The historic city centre suffers severe damage from Luftwaffe air raids during the so-called "Baedeker Blitz".
• 1955 — The University College of the South West receives a Royal Charter and becomes the full-fledged University of Exeter.
• 2007 — The renovated Princesshay shopping centre opens, marking a large-scale reconstruction of the central part of the city.

Major City Development Milestones

The evolution of Exeter is a story of constant adaptation, from an important Roman port to a modern centre of education and innovation. Let us highlight the key stages that formed the unique appearance and character of the city:

• The "Golden Age" of the Cloth Trade (16th–18th centuries). During this period, Exeter became one of the wealthiest cities in England thanks to the production and export of woollen fabrics (the famous Exeter serge). The economic boom allowed for the construction of many architectural monuments, including the magnificent Custom House on the quayside.
• Engineering Breakthrough with the Ship Canal. The construction and subsequent expansion of the Exeter Canal allowed the city to regain its status as a seaport, which had been lost due to weirs downstream. This hydraulic structure ensured the city's trading independence and direct access to international markets.
• The Railway Revolution (Mid-19th century). The arrival of the famous Great Western Railway (GWR) turned Exeter into the main transport gateway of the South West. This event not only accelerated the delivery of goods but also opened the era of mass tourism to Devon.
• Urban Transformation after 1942. The destruction of the Second World War required a radical revision of the city plan. Post-war reconstruction (the Thomas Sharp plan) created a new, more spacious centre, where modern functional architecture sits alongside carefully preserved ruins and medieval monuments.
• Emergence as a Scientific Centre (Since 1955). The transformation of the university college into the full-fledged University of Exeter changed the demographics and economy of the city. The transition from trade to a knowledge economy attracted students from all over the world and stimulated the development of the cultural environment.
• City Centre Revitalization (Princesshay Project, 2000s). The large-scale redevelopment of the city's commercial heart became an example of successful modern urbanism. The project revealed previously hidden historical layers (Roman walls) and integrated them into a contemporary space for shopping and leisure.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

Exeter's architecture represents a unique mosaic, where ancient Roman fortifications sit alongside medieval cathedrals, and elegant Georgian terraces intertwine with modern developments. The urban development of the city was largely determined by its role as a trading port, and later by the need for restoration after the devastating bombings of the Second World War.

Roman and Norman Heritage (1st–12th centuries)

The urban foundation of Exeter was laid by the Romans. Fragments of the city wall, which defined the city boundaries for centuries, have survived to this day. The Norman Conquest brought monumentality and defensive structures to the city's appearance, often using local red sandstone.

• Style: Romanesque style, military architecture.
• Landmark Objects: Ruins of Rougemont Castle and the city's oldest building — St Nicholas Priory.

Gothic and the Middle Ages (13th–15th centuries)

The dominant feature of the city and a masterpiece of English Gothic is Exeter Cathedral. During this period, a network of narrow streets formed around the Cathedral Yard, preserving the atmosphere of old England.

• Style: Decorated Gothic.
• Landmark Object: Exeter Cathedral (Cathedral of St Peter) with its famous west front adorned with sculptures, and the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in the world.
• Urban Planning: The Underground Passages, built in the 14th century for water supply, are a unique example of medieval engineering accessible to visitors.

The Tudor and Stuart Era (16th–17th centuries)

The heyday of the wool trade gifted the city with timber-framed houses and merchant mansions. Despite modernization, colourful buildings from that time with overhanging upper floors have been preserved in the centre.

• Style: Vernacular architecture, timber framing.
• Landmark Objects: "The House That Moved" — a Tudor building moved in its entirety to a new location for road construction, and Mol's Coffee House on Cathedral Green.

The Georgian Era and Classicism (18th – early 19th century)

In the 18th century, Exeter acquired the features of an elegant city for gentlemen. The Southernhay district became an example of prestigious red brick residential development surrounded by greenery.

• Style: Georgian style, early Classicism.
• Landmark Objects: The Custom House on the quayside (1680, transition from Baroque to Classicism) and the residential terraces of Southernhay.

The Victorian Era (19th century)

With the arrival of the railway, the city expanded beyond the medieval walls. The architecture of this period is characterized by a return to historical styles and the appearance of grand public buildings.

• Style: Gothic Revival.
• Landmark Object: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) — a vivid example of Victorian Gothic Revival with rich decoration and complex masonry.

Post-War Modernism and Modernity (20th–21st centuries)

After the "Baedeker Blitz" of 1942, a significant part of the centre was rebuilt in a functional style. In the 21st century, the emphasis shifted to revitalization and the intelligent integration of modern architecture into the historical context.

• Style: Modernism, High-tech, Postmodernism.
• Landmark Objects: The Princesshay shopping quarter (opened in 2007), which successfully integrated modern glass facades with views of the cathedral and ancient Roman walls. Also noteworthy are the modern buildings of the University of Exeter, such as the Forum building, which has received architectural awards.

Distinguished Personalities

Exeter has been the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many people who have left a significant mark on world history, science, and culture. Below are key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the city.

Historical Figures and Scientists

• Sir Thomas Bodley (1545–1613) — Diplomat and scholar, born in Exeter. He went down in history as the founder of the famous Bodleian Library in Oxford, restoring it and turning it into one of the largest book collections in Europe.
• Richard Hooker (1554–1600) — One of the most important theologians of the Anglican Church, born in Heavitree (now a district of Exeter). His work "Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity" had a huge influence on Western political and religious thought. A statue of him stands before Exeter Cathedral.
• Henrietta Anne Stuart (1644–1670) — English princess, youngest daughter of King Charles I. Born in Exeter (at Bedford House) at the height of the Civil War, just two weeks before her mother had to flee to France.
• William Kingdon Clifford (1845–1879) — A prominent mathematician and philosopher born in Exeter. His research in geometry and algebra (Clifford algebra) became the foundation for the development of modern theoretical physics.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924) — Writer, priest, and folklore collector born in Exeter. Author of the famous hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and a researcher of the legends of South West England.
• J.K. Rowling (born 1965) — Writer, creator of the Harry Potter universe. Graduated from the University of Exeter (French and Classics). It is believed that the city's architecture and university buildings served as inspiration for some locations in her books (for example, Diagon Alley).
• Thom Yorke (born 1968) — Musician, leader of the cult band Radiohead. Studied at the University of Exeter, where he studied English literature and fine art, and performed in local clubs before gaining world fame.
• Chris Martin (born 1977) — Vocalist and frontman of the band Coldplay. Born in Exeter, grew up in its surroundings, and attended Exeter Cathedral School.
• Matthew Goode (born 1978) — Famous film and television actor ("The Imitation Game", "Downton Abbey", "The Crown"). Born in Exeter and spent his early years here.