Skip to content
Got it

Location

Devon Map

Exeter used to be a city of two halves: the old quaint Tudor to Victorian town clustered around the cathedral, and the ugly post-war reconstruction following the horrendous bomb damage the city suffered during the Second World War.

Some of the worst of the 50s/60s buildings have now been replaced by the very 21st century concrete and glass Princesshay shopping mall. But, given what was there before, it is an improvement.

Whilst it is easy to get maudlin over all the fine buildings that have been lost, both during the war and the subsequent reconstruction, there is still much left to enjoy in this fine old city.

To add a comment on this section, click here.

The Exe Bridge

Location

Devon Map

Most ancient bridges, are either still in use, albeit much widened, or have been replaced with a more modern structure.

Exeter is unusual in that the base of the northern end of its ancient medieval bridge is still in place, but the river has moved to one side.

It now sits, somewhat forlornly, in the middle of a massive traffic gyratory, but if you can ignore the constant noise of near stationary traffic, it is well worth a visit.

Leading down to the old bridge is West Street, with some fine old timber-framed buildings.

External Links and References

  • External Links

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

Location

Devon Map

Only recently rediscovered, according to the plaque, DanesCastle is a Norman fort believed to have been built by King Stephen during his three month siege of Rougemont Castle in 1136.

In 1852 the site was incorporated into a water reservoir and was only uncovered in 1993 when a new reservoir was built.

There is little to see; just a ring of earth that was once surmounted by a wooden palisade, but it is a interesting reminder of England's first civil war.

External Links and References

  • External Links

    • Danes Castle
      More on the history of the castle from the Exeter Memories site
      http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_places/danes.php

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

The Iron Bridge

Location

Devon Map

The Iron Bridge across the Longbrook Valley between St David's Down and the city was built in 1834-5 to save visitors from North Devon the very steep climb up to the North Gate.

It was constructed at the ironworks of Russell and Brown of Blaina, Monmouthshire.

External Links and References

  • External Links

    • Iron Bridge, Exeter
      Some more information on Exeter's Iron Bridge
      http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=452
    • The Iron Bridge and North Gate
      Detailed history from the excellent Exeter Memories site.
      http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/ironbridge.php

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

St Catherine's Almshouses

Location

Devon Map

The mass of ruins on the corner of Catherine Street and Egypt Lane are all that remain of two buildings that were destroyed in a bombing raid in 1942.

Most of what can be seen today relates to the St Catherine's Almshouses and their chapel which date back to the 15th century.

Of the adjoining 13th century Cannon's House only two large fireplaces, a couple of windows and a fragment of wall remain.

External Links and References

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.