Exeter

Exeter began as settlements on a dry ridge ending in a spur overlooking a navigable river teeming with fish, with fertile land nearby. Although there have been no major prehistoric finds, these advantages suggest the site was occupied early. Coins from the Hellenistic kingdoms suggest the existence of a settlement trading with the Mediterranean as early as . The Romans established a fort (Castrum) named Isca around AD 55. The fort served as the southwest terminus of the Fosse Way (part of the Antonine Itinerary) and base for the 5,000-man Second Augustan Legion. An unplanned community () of natives and the soldiers' families grew up around it, which served as the tribal capital of the…

St Nicholas' Priory was founded in 1087 as a Benedictine monastery, but parts were destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries. Exeter Cathedral was founded in 1050, although the present building dates from approximately 1400. It is considered a superb example of the Decorated Gothic style and possesses the longest continuous medieval stone vault in the world, among other features of historical significance. The adjoining Bishop's Palace and its gatehouse, built in the 13th century, are separately Grade I listed; its west wing contains the Cathedral's library and archives. There are six Grade I listed churches in Exeter: St David's, St Mary Steps, St Thomas', St Martin's, St Mary…

Exeter has several theatres. The Northcott Theatre is situated in the Streatham campus of the University of Exeter and is one of relatively few provincial English theatres to maintain its own repertory company. The Barnfield Theatre was originally constructed as Barnfield Hall by Exeter Literary Society towards the end of the 19th century and converted to a theatre in 1972. The Cygnet Theatre in Friars Walk is the home of the Cygnet Training Theatre and is a member of the Conference of Drama Schools. Additionally, more innovative and contemporary performances, theatrical productions and dance pieces are programmed the Exeter Corn Exchange in Market Street.