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
