Plymouth Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Plymouth

Plymouth's early history began in the Bronze Age when the first settlement emerged at Mount Batten. It is mentioned in Ptolemy's Geographia as a maritime outpost exporting bronze mirrors.

The settlement was a major port in the southwest of England in Roman times. It was surpassed as a port in the ninth century by the nearby wealthier village of Sutton, later called Plymouth.

Plymouth was closely associated with two historic events. Plymouth was the base of the English fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588. The battle changed the fortunes of these countries. In 1620 a group of pilgrims seeking religious freedom departed Plymouth for the New World on the ship Mayflower. That epic journey changed the world.

During the Industrial Revolution, Plymouth became a major Naval base and shipbuilding city. To this day, the city's economy is partially reliant on shipbuilding and seafaring, but it is also strongly influenced by service industries.

The old city center is referred to as the Barbican. It is so named for two bastions included in the Royal Citadel that was built in the time of Francis Drake. The citadel was built in 1666 to defend against attacks by sea or by Parliamentarians. West of the citadel is Smeaton's Tower, formerly the Eddystone Light.

Plymouth has 20 war memorials, nine of which are located on the Hoe, a green area over limestone cliffs overlooking the harbor and the sea. The Barbican has 100 listed buildings and the most cobbled streets in Britain. Before leaving for the New World, the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower from the steps on the West Pier. Some had their last meal at the Gin Distillery nearby.

Rebuilt after World War II, Plymouth has all the attractions of a modern city with a well-preserved past. Visit this link between the Old World and the New. See the past and the future together.