EXETER WEEKEND INFORMATION

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PETER:
The building of Exeter Cathedral was begun in 1112 on the site of a Saxon church. The West Front of the cathedral is magnificent, and boasts the largest collection of 14th century sculpture in the country. Unfortunately, there is no way to identify most of the figures, but it is thought that some of them may be old testament kings, and that the screen tells the story of the old testament. Some of the highlights inside the cathedral include: the 15th century astronomical clock, one of the oldest in the world, which tells the hour and the phase of the moon; the magnificent carved Bishop's Throne dating from 1312; the impressive choir, where one of the 13th century carved misericords has probably the earliest depiction of an elephant in England; the Minstrels Gallery of carved angels playing musical instruments; and the impressive Gothic vaulting, which is the longest continuous vaulting in the world. The cathedral is light and airy and is one of the most beautiful churches in Britain.

Cathedral Tours lasting about 1 hour are available from April to October at 11am and 2.30pm every day except Saturday afternoons and Sundays .The cathedral is open every day at 7.15am.

Services: Mattins at 7.30am weekdays and 11.15am Sundays; Holy Communion at 7.45am weekdays, 1.15pm Wednesdays and 8am Sundays; Evensong at 3pm Saturdays and Sundays, 5.30pm Wednes-days; Sung Eucharist at 9.45 Sundays and 5.30pm on Holy Days; Evening Service at 6.30pm Sundays.

  UNDERGROUND PASSAGES:
Romangate Passage
These conduits or aqueducts were built in the middle ages to bring a continuous supply of clean water into the city from springs about a mile away. Your visit begins with a video presentation in the exhibition area, followed by the interesting and entertaining tour along three-quarters of a mile of the passages. The tour lasts about 40 minutes.

CATHEDRAL CLOSE:
Many styles of English architecture are represented in the Close. The most interesting examples are Mol's Coffee House, a striking Elizabethan timber-framed building that contains 16th century oak panelling and carvings; the Royal Clarence Hotel, which was the first inn in England to be called an 'hotel'; and the Bishop of Crediton's House. The remains of a Roman bath-house and basilica were discovered opposite the West Front of the Cathedral when the church of St. Mary Major was demolished in 1971. The remains were covered over to preserve them. The Bishop's Palace Garden and the Exploring Cathedral Close walking tours are a good way to learn about this area of Exeter. See the Walking Tours section for more details.

CITY WALL:
The city wall was built during the 2nd century AD to help defend the city, and although it has been patched and rebuilt over the centuries, the wall is still essentially Roman. About two-thirds of the old Roman wall still remains. A free City Wall Tour lasting about 2 hours is available with the Redcoat Guides. See the Walking Tours section for more details.

CUSTOM HOUSE:
The Quay, Exeter.
Dating from 1681, this is one of the earliest brick buildings in Exeter, and probably the first purpose built custom house in Britain. The cannons were part of a shipment that never reached its destination _ they have never been fired.

THE HOUSE THAT MOVED:
West Street, Exeter.
An attractive Tudor building that was moved on wheels in 1961 from Edmund Street to its present site next to the remains of the West Gate, to make way for a new road. It is now a shop.

MEDIEVAL EXE BRIDGE:
The medieval Exe Bridge was constructed around 1200AD and is regarded as one of the earliest long stone bridges in England. About half of it can still be seen along with the remains of St. Edmund's Church which forms part of the bridge. There was another church at the other end which was destroyed by floods in the 15th century. The bridge was originally about 600 feet long with 18 arches. It has been replaced three times, most recently by the two Exe Bridges, and the change in their positions has allowed half of the medieval bridge to be uncovered.

THE QUAY:
Exeter became a thriving port until a weir was built across the river. Trading, mainly in wool, increased again after the building of Britain's first ship canal in 1563. There is a lot to see and enjoy on the Quay, including antiques and craft shops, pubs and cafes, and the Visitor Centre. The manually operated Butts Ferry crosses the river between the Quay and the opposite bank. A walking tour of the Quay is available - see the Walking Tours section for more details.

Use Browser to go back