Exeter Facts
Exeter is a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times and beyond and is full of fascinating facts and “I didn’t know that! “
Exeter is twinned with four cities:
Rennes (France),
Bad Homburg (Germany)
Terracina (Italy)
and Yaroslavl (Russia)*
Rennes (since 1956)
Rennes is the capital of Brittany in northwest France. It is both; an ancient city with its medieval half-timbered houses, and modern city with high-tech developments and digital innovations.
Bad Homburg (since 1965)
Bad Homburg and Exeter have been twin towns since 1965. The town is located in the middle of Hesse, a central German state. It is known for its mineral springs, historic castle, and German Emperors.
Terracina (since 1988)
A seaside resort town just 35 miles southeast of Rome in central Italy. Terracina is overlooked by the ancient temple of Jupiter Anxur.
Yaroslavl (since 1989)
*Exeter voted to suspend the civic relationship with Yaroslavl in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Underground Passages
Exeter has a unique network of medieval underground passages beneath the city’s High Street. These were created to house the pipes that brought fresh spring water into the walled city. You can go on a guided tour of these narrow, historic tunnels.
The House That Moved
A 14th-century Tudor merchant’s house, weighing over 21 tonnes was moved nearly 70 metres to its current location on West Street in 1961 to make way for a new road.
Exeter Cathedral’s Vaulted Ceiling
Did you know that Exeter’s magnificent Gothic Cathedral boasts the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in the World?
Exeter Cathedral’s Astronomical Clock
The Cathedral also houses a famous astronomical clock reputed as the inspiration for the classic nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock.
Exeter City vs Brazil national football team
Did you know that in 1914 the first ever football match played by the Brazilian national team was against Exeter City in Rio de Janeiro with the sides drawing 3-3?
The Devon Witches
The last execution for witchcraft in England was carried out in Exeter.
Turks Head Inn
The Turk’s Head, one of the city’s oldest pubs still pays a rent of two pennies for the right to place a beam against the wall of the historic Guildhall.
More Facts and I Didn’t Know That’s coming soon….!
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