8 things you didn’t know about Exeter
We all know Exeter is a wonderful place, brimming with local arts, historic buildings and a real sense of Devonshire pride, however, here we have 8 things you probably didn’t know about Exeter!
- The oldest civic building in Britain is Exeter Guildhall, with some parts dating as far back as 1160!
- Many famous people have come from humble beginnings in Exeter; these include singer, songwriter and actress Joss Stone, the creator of Harry Potter JK Rowling and Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin.
- Underneath Exeter’s high street, there is a complex trail of underground passages that were once used to create a completely unique water system, allowing clean water to be filtered through from the natural springs outside of the city. These date as far back as the 14th century.
- Exeter Cathedral, otherwise known as The Cathedral of St Peter, dates back to around 1050, with most parts being re-built in 1258 in the decorative gothic style we know today.
- Founded by the Romans, Exeter was once called Isca, serving as the tribal capitoal to the Dumnonirums (the British tribe that once inhabited Devon and Cornwall).
- The estimated population of Exeter is around 144,328, and has the second highest population in Devon.
- The first stages of the RAMM Museum being built began in 1813, however the building work wasn’t started until 1865 before being completed 3 years later.
- There are around 7 other places also in the world called Exeter, including towns in Canada, Illinois and Pennsylvania!
These are just a few interesting facts about this wonderful city, there is plenty more for you to uncover whilst finding things to see and do in Exeter!