Merry Christmas

Exeter Quay

After visiting the cathedral we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the quayside. Exeter was first used as a port in prehistoric times but in 1566 a canal was completed to provide access for ships. Over time the number of ships using the quayside increased and the quay was expanded in the late 17th century. Further expansion occurred in 1830 when a new canal basin was added. However, in 1840 the railways reached Exeter and the shipping began to decline and the quayside is now mostly used for leisure. We found it a pleasant area for a stroll. Old warehouses have found new uses including local crafts and historical elements have been highlighted making it all quite interesting.

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral stands on a site which has been at the centre of the city since Roman times. The Cathedral was effectively founded by King Edward the Confessor in 1050 AD although the current building dates back to 1114 AD. The west front image screen is one of the great architectural features of medieval England. Various building works have taken place over the years and the completion of the rebuilding of the cathedral in the Gothic style dates to around 1340 although additional works continued thereafter. High up on the north side of the nave is a projecting balcony built in the middle of the 14th century. It is decorated with carved angels playing musical instruments and is known as the Minstrels Gallery. The original purpose of this gallery is not known, but it may have been used by musicians or singers. The magnificent Bishops Throne is one of the greatest treasures of medieval woodwork in Europe. It was made in the early 14th century using local Devon oak and is 18m (59ft) tall. Dating from 1484, the large dial of the Exeter Astronomical Clock is a working model of the solar system as it was then understood. The sun and moon circle around the earth at the centre of the dial. The clock is reputed to be the source of the nursery rhyme 'Hickory Dickory Dock'. There is a lot to admire within the cathedral, especially the roof, as we found a couple of months ago.