Devon's History and Heritage

Everywhere you turn in Devon, past and present meet in a rich blend. Traditions, myths and history have all left their mark on today's landscape, towns and customs.

Prehistoric Devon - landscapes that go back to the beginning of time, like Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, have given Devon countryside its unique character. The Romans in Devon marched across our land, leaving behind them forts and roads. No wonder, with this long history, Devon is awash with myths, legends and folklore.

Devon's long maritime history of a seafaring folk, the hard life of fishermen and bold adventurous exploits of the explorers and traders, has left us with many famous Devonians. And still today Devon has its fair share of celebrities, for many stars of stage, TV and the kitchen have made it their home or come from here.

Many battles were fought on Devon soil - Great Torrington, Plymouth and Exeter - and the woollen trade brought much prosperity to its farmers and manufacturers in its towns - this was the time when Devon came of age. The advances of Devon in the Georgian age brought elegance to many towns and cities, then in Victorian Devon the influx by rail turned simple seaside villages into fashionable resorts.

All in all, Devon has a fascinating past, and a proud heritage for those whose ancestors hail from here and who wish to investigate their Devon family history roots.