20 Fascinating Facts about Devon!

Do you want to know a bit more about Devon? We’ve got you covered! 

Let's explore beyond its famed beaches and indulgent cream teas to uncover some lesser-known gems. 

1. Devon boasts the UK's narrowest street, Parliament Street in Exeter, measuring just 0.64 meters at its narrowest point. Exeter is famed for its streets as Gandy Street is said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. 

2. Beer Stone, quarried from the caves of the picturesque village of Beer, was used in the building of Exeter Cathedral as well as iconic British landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. 

3. Dartmouth's Britannia Royal Naval College witnessed the first public meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, sparking a legendary romance. 

4. Sir Walter Raleigh, famed Elizabethan explorer, hails from Hayes Barton near Budleigh Salterton, credited with introducing potatoes and tobacco to Britain. 

5. The pasty, a beloved British treat, finds its origins in Devon, with the oldest recorded recipe dating back 500 years. 

6. Dartmouth hosts the world's oldest working steam engine, crafted by engineer Thomas Newcomen. 

7. Devon uniquely boasts two separate coastlines, bordering the English Channel to the south and the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel to the north. It’s the only English county to have two!  

8. Exmouth serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, stretching from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. 

9. Reverend John Russell of Dartmouth is credited with breeding the iconic Jack Russell Terrier. 

10. A La Ronde House in Exmouth is a marvel, featuring 16 sides and adorned with intricate feather and shell decorations. 

11. Totnes Guildhall's council chamber played a role in Oliver Cromwell's strategy during the closing stages of the Civil War. 

12. Devon's name originates from Dumnonia, once home to the Dumnonni Celts during the Iron Age and Roman Britain. 

13. South Devon boasts three National Landscapes (previously AONBs): South Devon, East Devon, and Blackdown Hills. 

14. The Mayflower made pivotal stops in Dartmouth and Plymouth for repairs before it’s final historic voyage to the New World. 

15. Heavitree in Exeter witnessed the last executions for witchcraft in England. 

16. Devon's distinctive flag, featuring green, white, and black, symbolizes the county's hills, moors, and sea spray, dedicated to Saint Petroc. 

17. Dartmoor stands as southern England's largest open space, predominantly comprised of granite, 65% of it in fact!  

18. The Met Office relocated its headquarters to Exeter in 2003. 

19. The bridge between Teignmouth and Shaldon, across the River Teign, was once the longest in England, while their ferry service can be dated back to 1293! 

20. The University of Exeter boasts illustrious alumni including J.K. Rowling, Will Young, Thom Yorke, Zara Phillips, and comedian Rhod Gilbert. 

These captivating facts offer just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Devon's history and culture. Stay connected with all the latest happenings in South Devon by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X.