Exeter Places To See
Buildings
The House That Moved / Stepcote Hill
The 'House that Moved' is located at the lower end of Western Way near the Ex Bridges area. This 14th century Tudor building weighing more than 21 tons was moved in 1961 from its original location on the corner of Edmund Street to allow for a new road to be built. It was strapped together and slowly moved a few inches at a time to its present day home.
Just across the road is a cobbled medieval hill known as Stepcote Hill. The hill is lined with 15th century merchant houses and was once the main entrance to Exeter from the west side.
Exeter's first bridge (1240) over the River Exe is located in the centre of the busy inner by-pass (Western Way). The medieval bridge now stands dry as the river runs a different route, but at one time this would have also been part of the main route into the city, crossing the River Exe from the west and going on to climb Stepcote Hill.
St Mary Steps Church / Matthew The Miller Clock
Also in this area at the bottom of West Street, is the St Mary Steps Church. The church is of 12th century origin and has an interesting (1620) Matthew the Miller clock on the outside with figures that strike the hour.
Guildhall / Turks Head Inn / Parliament Street / St Pancras Church
In the High Street almost opposite the National Westminster Bank you will find the Guildhall and the Turks Head Public House. The Guildhall, although altered over the years with a rebuild in the 15th century, then further pillars and Tudor frontage added in the 16th century, dates back to 1330 and is the oldest municipal building in the country.
The Turks Head, a 15th century Inn located next door to the Guildhall is said
to be the Inn where Dickens found the original for his "Fat Boy" character in
the Pickwick Papers (1837). The Inn today still serves beverages although to a
more modern clientele in a revamped surrounding.
A little further along the High Street opposite the old Exeter Bank building is Parliament Street. This street is approximately 1220mm at its widest making it the world's narrowest street.
Walking to the end of Parliament Street will bring you into Waterbeer Street, the
edge of the Guildhall Shopping Centre that runs parallel to High Street. Turn right,
and in the middle of the courtyard on the left is the medieval church of St Pancras.
First recorded in 1191, and dedicated to the fourteen year-old martyred saint (304).
Some other places of interest include:
- Catacomb - Bartholomew Street
- Miller's Crossing
- Clocktower - Queen Street
- Tuckers Hall - Fore Street
- Colourful mural depicting the festival of 1979 - New Bridge Street
- Wynard's Almshouses originally built in 1436 as housing for Twelve pensioners
More Related Pages
Places To See - Cathedral Close
Places To See - Exeter Quayside
Places To See - Gardens & Buildings
Things To Do