When Was Exeter Quay Built?

This historic building, built in 1680, houses visitor information which will tell you all you need to know about Exeter’s rich and varied history. The popular Red Coat Guided Tours meet in front of the building during the warmer months.

How old is Exeter Quay?

John Trew was engaged to build the canal for £5,000 and a start was made in 1564 to survey the eastern side of the river – within a short time work stopped because the rock was too difficult. Trew switched to the western side of the river and by 1566 the canal was complete.

When was the Exeter canal built?

1566
The historic Exeter Ship Canal first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times.

What was Exeter Quay used for?

Exeter Quay was once an international port thriving through mainly in the export of woollen cloth, but by the 13th century sea craft could no longer reach Exeter by river, so a canal was constructed around 1563. This canal linked the city to the estuary again and the port trade began to prosper once more.

Why was the Exeter canal built?

Exeter Ship Canal was opened in 1566, built to bypass weirs that had been erected on the River Exe and thus enable goods to reach the port of Exeter—originally in barges, later in ocean-going ships.

What is the oldest pub in Exeter?

For an atmospheric, inexpensive pub lunch, try the oldest pub in Exeter. Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh frequented the place more than 400 years ago, and they might still recognize the upstairs pub with its wood paneling and fireplace.

What is the oldest building in Exeter?

St Nicholas Priory
Situated off Fore Street in Exeter city centre, St Nicholas Priory is the oldest standing building in the city, dating from the 11th Century. Founded in 1087 by William the Conqueror, it was home to Benedictine monks for over 400 years.

How deep is the Quay Exeter?

How deep IS Exeter Canal? Exeter’s canal basin, built by James Green in the 1820s, is 900 feet long. It is 80-120 feet wide and is 17 feet deep.

Was Exeter built on a volcano?

Devon’s capital city is built on an ancient volcano. This jaw-dropping fact shines a light on the prehistoric age of Devon where violent, lava-spewing volcanic eruptions altered its landscape forever.

When was the last person hanged in Exeter?

1943
After the last execution at Exeter Prison in 1943, the gallows were taken down and shipped to Jersey where they performed their grisly task one more time in the 1950’s.

Why did Germany Bomb Exeter?

Exeter was bombed on the 3-4 May 1942. It was one of a number of cities targeted by Hitler in revenge for Air Marshal Harris’ bombing campaign against German cities in 1942. These raids targeted major tourist towns chosen from a Baedeker travel guide and are known as the Baedeker raids.

What famous people were born in Exeter?

Born since 1950

• Clare Morrall (born 1952), novelist.
• John Scott (born 1954), England rugby union international.
• Beth Gibbons (born 1965), singer with Portishead.
• Ben Nealon (born 1966), actor.
• Toby Buckland (born 1969), gardener, TV presenter and author.
• Michael Caines (born 1969), chef and restaurateur.

Why is the soil red in Exeter?

Inland the iconic red soils are caused by the presence of iron oxide, laid down in the arid desert conditions of the Permian and Triassic periods, 290 to 206 million years ago. A large part of Devon’s landscape and geology are protected through national or international designations.

Can you swim in Exeter Canal?

No. Swimming is not allowed in the canal.

When was the Exeter sunk?

1 March 1942
HMS Exeter (68) was a York-class heavy cruiser launched in 1929. She fought at the River Plate in 1939, and was sunk during the Second Battle of the Java Sea on 1 March 1942.

How much of Exeter was bombed in ww2?

30 acres of the city were devastated, 156 people were killed and 583 injured. In the city centre, the whole of Bedford Circus, the top of High Street, and adjacent parts of Sidwell Street and Paris Street were destroyed.

Who is the largest employer in Exeter?

City’s major employers will be taking part in Exeter’s largest…

• Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
• Courtyard by Marriott.
• McDonald’s.
• Crealy Theme Park and Resort.
• University of Exeter.
• Lidl GB.
• Exeter City Council.
• Stagecoach.

What food is Exeter known for?

Cream teas, real ales and fresh fish are the main specialities Exeter, and the nearby port of Topsham are famous for. Cheese lovers should head to the multi-award winning Quickes farm shop on the edge of Exeter, or sample locally brewed ales at the Exeter Brewery.

What is the UK’s oldest pub?

The Porch House, Stow on the Wold, The Cotswolds.
Authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records as England’s oldest inn, it is certified as dating from 947 AD.

What is the oldest town in Devon?

Barnstaple
Barnstaple, the main town in North Devon, claims to be the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.

What is the oldest village in Devon?

Silverton
Silverton is a large village and civil parish, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Exeter, in the English county of Devon. It is one of the oldest villages in Devon and dates from the first years of the Saxon occupation.
Silverton, Devon.