Plym, Plympton, Plymstock, Plymouth, UK - A History
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Plymouth is a great city, in Devon, southern England. This lens is an attempt to bring across the great history of the city as well as introduce some great things to do!
The, bustling city is populated with over 250,000 people, this makes it the 15th largest (in regards to population) city in England. One of the main industries in Plymouth, and an industry that massively influences the cities economy, is shipbuilding.
Plymouth is home to the 11th largest university in the United Kingdom, the University of Plymouth, which teaches over 30,000 students and employs more than 2800 staff. It was originally a Polytechnic College until 1992, when it gained it's university status.
HMNB Devonport, the largest operational naval base in Western Europe is based in the city.
The port is used as a major European access point as it has ferry links with France and Spain. Plymouth also has an Airport, which is widely used for domestic services but does offer international transfers.
For generations, people have flocked to Devon, with the intent to use it's fantastic port and marinas for all kinds of water sports, from the excitement of surfing to the eloquence of a long sailing cruise.
Contents at a Glance
Early History
Bones in Caves
Archaeological Surveys revealed some of the earliest evidence of settlements in the area. Homo sapien bones and other deposits, from the Upper Palaeolithic period (broadly between 40,000 and 10,000 years ago) were discovered in local caves. Mount Battern (a Plymouth peninsula) revealed artefacts from the Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age. These artefacts showed that, at that time, Plymouth was used as one of the main trading ports.Another early trading port was located at the settlement of Plympton but, due to the river silting up, mariners and merchants were forced to relocate to a site closer to the river mouth, now Plymouth which literally means "mouth of the River Plym".
Plymouth and the New World
The Hundred Years War, A Renaissance
In 1340, Plymouth proved it's reputation as a highly defended stronghold, when a French attack failed to gain entry into the town an merely resulted in the burning down of a manor house along with the captivity of a few prisoners.As a result of the 1403 raid, by Breton raiders, in which the town was burned, a series of fortifications were built which consisted of four round towers, placed in strategic points around the city. These Tudor and Elizabethan towers proved to be a vital part of Plymouth's defences, two of which still stand to this very day.
Locally produced wool was became a major export commodity in the 16th century. Sir John Hawkins, the founder of England's enterprise in the Atlantic Salve trade, and Sir Francis Drake, were both among a series of successful maritime traders and dignitaries to us Plymouth as a home port.
It is said that before engaging the Spanish Armada, Sir Francis Drake insisted on completing a bowls game on the Plymouth Hoe (a large piece of open public land facing the open water - see picture) in 1588.
1620, saw the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers on their voyage to the new world. Upon arrival they established the Plymouth Colony this was the second English Colony in the USA.
Civil War
Four Years of Royalist attack.
During the English civil war, Plymouth was under a constant four year attack by the royalists, due to it's allegiance with the Parliamentarians. These attacks climaxed when Sir Richard Grenville (Cornish Royalist Leader) led thousands of soldiers in, what was to be, the final major attack on Plymouth. Contrary to the might of the attacking army, Plymouth was to strong and it's defensive might was a force to be reckoned with and they famously defeated the attackers.The Parliamentary victory, of the end of the civil war, was short lived and the restoration of the monarchy happened in 1649 with the crowning of King Charles II. The new king used a small island, just off the shore of Plymouth (known as Drake's Island), to imprison a large number of the Parliamentary leaders. After the Restoration the Royal Citadel (see picture above) was commissioned and building work began in 1665. The Citadel was with two cannons, one facing out to see and a second facing the town. It is believed that this second cannon was a reminder and deterrent for those who may oppose the crown.
Not so Fair Trade
The Navy Moves in
Several naval bases were opened in and around Plymouth during the late 17th and 18th century, the first of which was HMNB Devonport. The reason behind this sudden surge in naval operation in the town was due to the decreasing amount in trade from the town. It had become to costly to transport goods to the town and it had now means of processing most foreign produce, such as tobacco and sugar.These new ports bought more employment and monies to the town, allowing it to grow, vastly, in 1733 the population had grown to 3,000 people.
The town was still, marginally, active in the trade industry, it's main commodities being grain, timber and coal. The major source of employment in the town was now the dockyards.
Designed by London
Urban Prosperity
Enriched by a series of neo-classical urban developments, the tree towns (Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport) enjoyed some prosperity during the late 18th and early 19th century. These developments were designed by the famed London Architect John Foulston. Many of Foulston's buildings were later destroyed.In the latter half of the 19th century, Plyomouth received a wide variety of imports from the Americas, these included maize, wheat, barley, sugar cane and phosphate.
Plymouth's industries grew in the 19th century to include, gasworks, small chemical works and the railways and tramways.
Forced Regeneration
World War II and the 20th Century
Over the course of the second world war the Plymouth Blitz (a series of 59 raids) destroyed most of the city centre and more than 3700 houses and killed over 1000 civilians. This destruction was viewed as collateral damage as the dockyards were the principle target.In 1943 Sir Patrick Abercrombie planned the redevelopment of the city. This resulted in over 20,000 new houses being ready by 1964. Most of the city's shops were destroyed during the raids and this plan included a zoned redevelopment of their buildings.
Charles Church (the second most ancient parish church in Plymouth, see picture) was destroyed by the blitz. The building, however, was never demolished or rebuilt and was left as a permanent memorial and reminder of the Plymouth Blitz.
In the late 1970's a new nuclear submarine base became operational. Most of the army barracks were pulled down in the 1960's due to the departure of most of it's forces. The city has since become the home of the Royal Marines.
Plymouth is now popular with many people partaking in water sports and boating. Particularly notable are those interested in yachts. The port of Plymouth Regatta is held every year and is always a great success.
Take to the Water
Boating in Plymouth
For centuries, Plymouth, has been very popular in the leisure boating world, due to it's quality of quays and harbours along with the wide variation of weather. On some days it is possible to sail in very calm seas and have a relaxing trip other days the sea will be rough and the winds high, allowing for challenging voyages.
Plymouth has the advantage of being on the English Channel, which allows enough protection from the Atlantic Ocean but also enables sailors and other ocean goers the opportunity to experience open sea with minimal risk.
Because of it's location, Plymouth is an ideal place for British boat owners to moor their vessels. The harbour offers easy access to the Plym river, for access to the rest of Britain, and to mainland Europe. With a boat moored in Plymouth, there is no reason to miss your favourite Regattas throughout the UK and northern, perhaps even southern, Europe.
One of the main marinas in Plymouth is the Mayflower Marina (named after the Mayflower - the vessel used to transport the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton to the Plymouth Colony, now Plymouth, Massachusetts). The Marina offers excellent berthing facilities allowing easy access to the all-year-round sailing in very varied conditions. Mayflower Marina is located conveniently in the heart of the estuary and near the City Centre.
Click Here for Tidal Predictions in Plymouth
There are many facilities and businesses for chartering or buying yachts in Plymouth.
Want to get started, why not have a look at the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473, this fantastic yacht is ideal for a small family sailing holiday or for a leisurely cruise with friends.
Why use wind
Plymouth is also an exceptional area of water for power boats/yachts
Plymouth is an ideal place to moor a power boat or yacht. The choppy and calm seas make for a very varied ride and also ensure maximum enjoyment. The Mayflower Marina also offers berthing for powered yachts and boats as well as their sailing counterparts.
A power boat is ideal for the most relaxing ocean bound trips, voyages or holidays. A lot of mariners relish in the idea of sailing, remembering your reef knots from your rolling hitches. Others are drawn to the relaxation offered on a power yacht, it can be as simple as driving a car, push the throttle forward, grab hold of the steering wheel and you're away.
A recent addition to the boating world is that of the Jeanneau Prestige 50s (pictured above), this fantastic boat has a hull length of 49 feet and a top speed of just under 40 knots. It is the ideal yacht for anyone.
View more details on the Prestige 50s.
Plymouth Video
A Sightseers Guide
What's Happening in Plymouth
Local Plymouth News
- Sail marathon aims to add to charity cash
- The 2012 event will also be included in the Plymouth Royal Yachting Association Sail for Gold calendar. This year Plymouth Yacht Haven and Yacht Haven Quay, Mayflower Marina and Blaster Master have joined forces to raise the public profile of the event ...
- Second day of Olympic Torch relay
- The second day of the Olympic relay started at the Plymouth Life Centre at 8.07am when the flame began its journey out of the city. Even early on a Sunday crowds were lining the streets out of the city to see the Olympic Torch on its way.
- Weathering the storm!
- The spectacular six-deck Vava II, the 33rd largest in the world, was built in Plymouth by Devonport Yachts ? now called Pendennis Plus ? and boasts luxury interiors, a swimming pool, a helipad, lavish guest cabins and four boats to ferry passengers to ...
- Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup – GBR line up completed
- The GBR line up has been completed today, Tuesday 22nd May, with the announcement of four teams representing RYA Team GBR this July in one of the most prestigious events on the international yachting calendar. The 11th biennial event gives crews the ...
Useful Links
Useful resources for further reading and extra services
- Plymouth Yacht Sales
- From small power boats to large sailing vessels, you will find what you want here.
Network Yacht Brokers Plymouth is located in Mayflower Marina, Plymouth, Devon You will find us in the marina complex just through the entrance gates and on the right. - Network Yacht Brokers
- A Group of yacht brokers including sales and brokerage.
- Plymouth Wiki
- Further reading. Want more? why not take a look at the wiki.
- Plymouth
- Plymouth is about 200 miles from London, about 100 miles from Bristol and about 500 miles from Edinburgh. The city is famous for many things and is a great place to live and visit. This picture is of Plymouth Hoe just a very short walk from the thriving city centre.Lighthouse of Plymouth Hoe, Plymou
- Pilgrims
- Pilgrims, or Pilgrim Fathers, is a name commonly applied to the early settlers of the Plymouth Colony in present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. Their leadership came from a religious congregation who had fled a volatile political environment in the East Midlands of England for the relative calm of the
- Plymouth UK Sqidoaholics Headquarters
- Plymouth UK Sqidoo-aholicsif you have a squidoo lens and you are in the Plymouth (or even Devon/Cornwall) area then this is a great place to start. Plymouth is an up and coming place to live and work and there are a growing number of squidoo lensmasters and soon to be some Giants (prophetically). Co
News from the Mayflower Marina
This is the news feed from a yacht brokerage in Plymouth
Current Weather in Plymouth
Find out what the current forcast is for Plymouth
Current weather conditions in Plymouth, United Kingdom
Local Pollen Reports
14°C (Feels like 14°C)
Last update: 5/28/12 12:50 AM Local Time
Humidity: 82%Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 11°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1016.9mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 27km/h From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Low
Low: 11°C
Sunrise: 5:15 AM
Sunset: 9:14 PM
Monday
May 28
N/A
High: 17°C
Low: 11°C
Sunrise: 5:14 AM
Sunset: 9:15 PM
Tuesday
May 29
Partly Cloudy
High: 18°C
Low: 10°C
Sunrise: 5:13 AM
Sunset: 9:16 PM
Wednesday
May 30
Sunny
High: 17°C
Low: 10°C
Sunrise: 5:12 AM
Sunset: 9:17 PM
Plymouth on Amazon
Plymouth related books and fun stuff
What do you think?
Let me know your thoughts.
If you have anything to add, or you've noticed something that isn't historically accurate, let me know here.
Thank you for reading.
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lestroischenes Mar 14, 2012 @ 10:08 am | delete
- What a lovely lens. Now, I could very well be muddled about Plymouth, but was it there that a very young and talented landscape architect redesigned the main street. Would be worth a pic if it's still there.
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a_willow
Feb 2, 2009 @ 9:09 am | delete
- You are one of December graduates! Come by and answer few questions to show the way to those who will follow! Wish you many, many more great lenses!
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Zion
Jan 10, 2009 @ 9:49 am | delete
- Wow! Your lens is fantastic! I really like it so I gave you 5*. Keep up the god work!..
Please try to stop by my lens. I would really much appreciate if you could rate mine too!
Thank you so much!
Zion
http://www.squidoo.com/best-way-to-lose-body-fat
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by james_live
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