A City with past & presence With its rich maritime heritage and a hand in some of Britain’s most famous events, you can truly immerse yourself in the past. Delve into history and be enchanted, from 11th Century trade routes to Elizabethan merchants, Naval prowess to Art Deco decadence and Georgian elegance to 1950’s post war optimism. Take a walk along the cobbled streets of the Barbican and find yourself transported back in time, to history altering moments such as Sir Francis Drake’s victory over the Spanish Armada, the departure of the Mayflower carrying the Pilgrim Fathers in search of the New World, and explorers Scott of the Antarctic, Captain James Cook and Charles Darwin setting sail – all of which took place right here in Plymouth. Feel inspired as you learn about the pioneers and revolutionaries nurtured by Plymouth, including Nancy Astor, the first woman to take a seat in Parliament, and William Cookworthy, who discovered china clay and was the first Englishman to make porcelain.
Plymouth has a strong bond with the armed forces and its Naval history runs deep. There is no better example of that than the Royal William Yard, an impressive and imposing example of the city’s military prowess and the largest collection of listed Naval buildings in Europe. Its past as a victualling yard and store is reflected in its present use as home to some of the city’s best eateries, including the River Cottage Canteen and Deli. Lovers of architecture will revel in Plymouth’s buildings which span the ages, from the Elizabethan Barbican and Georgian Saltram House to the 1950’s post-war rebuilding of the city centre. With so much to discover, it’s easy to get lost in Plymouth’s history – just don’t forget to take time to enjoy everything that’s happening here and now too!
The Mayflower Steps, the Pil gri m fathers
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