A Timeline of Exeter

By Tim Lambert

Early Exeter

50

The Romans build a fort on the site of Exeter

75

The Romans move on but a town is built on the site of the fort

c. 150

The Romans build stone walls around Exeter

407

The Roman army leaves Britain. Roman civilisation collapses and towns are abandoned.

680

The Saxons build a monastery inside the Roman walls of Exeter

876

The Danes shelter inside the walls of Exeter during winter

c. 885

Alfred the Great revives Roman towns. He creates a network of fortified settlements called burhs.

928

King Aethelstan repairs the walls of Exeter

1003

The reeve (an official who rules Exeter is a traitor. He allows the Danes in through a gate.

1050

The bishop moves his seat from Crediton to Exeter

1068

The Southwest rebels against the Normans. They lay siege to Exeter but fail to capture it. Exeter eventually submits and the Normans build a castle in the town.

1080

A priory is built in Exeter

1086

Exeter has a population of about 2,500

1136

During a civil war, Exeter castle is besieged

1435

Almshouses are built in Exeter

1500

The population of Exeter is about 8,000

1538

Henry VIII closes the priory

1549

During a rebellion rebels lay siege to Exeter

1600

The population of Exeter is about 9,000

1643

During the Civil War the Royalists capture Exeter

1646

The Parliamentarians capture Exeter

1707

A newspaper is published in Exeter

1760

The streets of Exeter are lit by oil lamps

1769

A bank opens in Exeter. Assembly rooms also open.

1778

Devon and Exeter Hospital is built

1784

Eastgate is demolished as it impedes traffic

Modern Exeter

1801

Exeter has a population of about 20,000

1815

West Gate and Water Gate are demolished

1832

Cholera kills 440 people in Exeter

1868

St Michael’s Church is built

1882

Horse drawn trams run in the streets of Exeter

1901

The population of Exeter is about 50,000

1905

All horse drawn trams are replaced by electric ones

1914

The population of Exeter is about 60,000

1931

The last tram runs in Exeter as they are replaced by buses

1942

The Germans bomb Exeter

1955

Exeter University is founded

1967

Northcott Theatre is opened

1977

Guildhall Shopping Centre opens

1986

Harlequins Shopping Centre opens

2011

The population of Exeter is about 118,000