In easy reach of both the moor and the sea, Exeter is a countrycity. Renowned for its beauty and historical architecture in the past, it was chosen by the German Luftwaffe during the Second World War as the first victim in the Baedeker raids, which targeted cities for their historical and cultural value.
This became known as the Exeter Blitz and the bombing wreaked havoc, destroying stunning architecture and homes. A smattering of post-war brutalist architecture now covers the city’s scars, but there is still plenty of history to be experienced.
HISTORY
In the city centre, there is an opportunity to transport oneself back in time. Tucked away behind Fore Street is Exeter’s oldest building, the 900-year-old St Nicholas Priory. If you’re lucky, you can time your visit with a Tudor re-enactment or a theatre production.
If the priory isn’t open (it is only open once a week) the ruins of Rougemont Castle’s red volcanic rock walls can be walked around in picturesque Rougemont Gardens. Exeter City Council runs ‘’red coat tours’’ that will pick up again when things return post-COVID, I’m sure.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Legends Of Lockdown
A new online exhibition features an array of Devon’s lockdown legends exploring their lives and communities during the pandemic restrictions
Look Out For Intelligent Slime!
Think you know your waxcaps from your dog vomit slime mould? Exmoor’s conservation team needs our help to record the pretty and the not-so-pretty wildlife living in this unique national park. finds out more
Retirement redefined
Millbrook Village’s Leah Jackson talks to AMELIA THURSTON about how wellbeing and quality of life are at the heart of the later living community
Look to the future
SU CARROLL talks to Sir Antony Gormley about his contribution to Devon’s artistic life
Natural beauty
Working with nature and the cycle of seasons, a new flower farm is blossoming in a fold of the beautiful River Teign valley
THE DIARY
SU CARROLL recommends the best events across the county this month
My kinda city...
With the perfect balance of country and city life, Exeter still shines as the jewel of the West. STEPHANIE DARKES shares her insider insights into the city that stole her heart
Letting themselves in for hard work...
Renovating your entire house is tough. Renovating someone else’s seven-bedroom Grade-II listed Georgian farmhouse and turning it into a high-end holiday let is even trickier. CHRISSY HARRIS went to Kingston see how it’s done
Lessons from history
History author Ian Mortimer has taken readers on travels through time from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Revolution. STU LAMBERT asks him how our country and our county changed in Regency times
A Reform character
The owner of North Devon’s longest standing brewery is about to take on a new challenge, as CATHERINE COURTENAY discovers
