|
Plymouth is the largest city in Devon it grew from the little fishing town of Sutton at the mouth of the River Plym owned by the monks of Plympton Priory. It was freed from monastic rule in 1439 and with the amalgamation of other settlements during the Hundred Years War against France it received a charter by Act of Parliament under its present name.
| |
| Picture of the Sea and Front at Plymouth | |
It also prospered as a result of the River Plym silting up making the port an important outlet for wool exports. It's long had a naval tradition the Royal Fleet was stationed here during the wars against Spain with Drake sailing to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from Sutton Harbour to colonize North America. The construction of the Royal Naval Dockyard at the end of the 17th century in the Devonport area continued the importance of Plymouth and to this day the naval presence is strong and the dockyards a boost to the local economy.
Plymouth Hoe is a broad grassy esplanade that has stunning sea views out to Drakes Island, previously a fortification, then a prison in the centre of the Sound. There are monuments here to the defeat of the Spanish Armada and a statue of one of Plymouths great mariners Sir Francis Drake. Smeaton's Tower offers great panoramic views over Plymouth Sound it was originally erected as a lighthouse on the treacherous Eddystone Rocks.
| |
| Picture of a the lovely view from Plymouth Hoe or Drakes Island | |
The old town's quay at Sutton Harbour is still used by a large trawler fleet and boasts an early morning fish market you can also go for pleasure cruises around the Sound and up the River Tamar as well as a variety of different fishing trips are on offer. The National Marine Aquarium is over the Mayflowers steps from Sutton Harbour reputedly the UK's largest aquarium and boasting the deepest tank in Europe; there are talks and dives throughout the day.
The Barbican area to the south of the harbour is the heart of old Plymouth with shops and restaurants and some of the oldest residential buildings to be seen. The nightlife is lively in Plymouth from theatre going to clubbing to live music events there is something to suit all tastes.
Back to Devon Towns and Villages
|
