Exeter's Skilled & Vetted Trades - Devon Locals 

1. Exeter’s Underground Passages Are One of a Kind

Exeter is the only city in the UK to have medieval underground passages open to the public. Originally built to house water pipes in the 14th century, these eerie tunnels are now a top-rated tour attraction.

2. The Roman City of Isca Dumnoniorum

Exeter was founded by the Romans around AD 50 and named Isca Dumnoniorum. Remnants of the Roman wall still surround parts of the city centre.

3. Exeter Cathedral Took 300 Years to Build

The breathtaking Exeter Cathedral — known for having the longest uninterrupted Gothic vaulted ceiling in the world — took nearly 300 years to complete, from 1112 to the 1400s.

4. The House That Moved

A real house — a 14th-century Tudor building — was physically moved on rollers in 1961 to prevent demolition. It’s now famously known as The House That Moved and sits near the cathedral.

5. Exeter is a UNESCO City of Literature

In 2019, Exeter was designated a UNESCO City of Literature due to its deep literary heritage, including connections to authors like Agatha Christie and Michael Morpurgo.

6. The Quayside Was Once a Global Trade Hub

Exeter Quay was a major shipping centre in the 17th and 18th centuries, exporting woollen cloth around the world. Today, it’s a hotspot for cafes, paddleboarding, and riverside walks.

7. Exeter Was Targeted in the WWII Blitz

Exeter suffered heavy bombing during WWII in what was known as the Baedeker Raids. The city centre was devastated, but much of the historic architecture has since been restored.

8. Home to the UK's Shortest Street

Parliament Street in Exeter is just 25 inches wide at its narrowest point, making it one of the narrowest streets in the world and a quirky tourist photo spot.

9. Birthplace of Coldplay

Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, was born in Exeter and attended Exeter Cathedral School. The city takes quiet pride in its musical connection.

10. Exeter is a Hub for Green Energy Innovation

The city is home to the Met Office and several climate-focused organisations. It’s also one of the leading areas for sustainable development and renewable energy initiatives in the UK.