About Devon
Country: England
Region: South west England
Established: Ancient
Area: 6,707 km2 (2,590 sq mi)
Population: 1,254,500
Largest settlement: Plymouth
Devon is a county in South West England. It is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north, Somerset and Dorset to the east, the English Channel to the south, and Cornwall to the west.
The name Devon originates from the ancient Celtic tribe known as the Dumnonii. Their name translates to "deep valley dwellers".
Alternative thoughts say it originates from the Latin name meaning "worshiper of the god Dumnonos", or link it to an Old French word (devin) meaning "divine".
Prehistoric Times:
Devon's story begins long before recorded history. Deep within the limestone caverns of Torquay, Kents Cavern holds secrets of Devon’s earliest human inhabitants. Archaeologists discovered a human jawbone here dating back over 40,000 years, making it one of the most important Ice Age sites in Europe.
As the glaciers melted and the climate warmed, nomadic hunter gatherers gave way to early farmers. By the Bronze Age Devon experienced a massive population boom. Dartmoor’s granite was never cleared by modern farming, so it remains one of the best preserved Bronze Age landscapes in the world.
By the Iron Age, a Celtic tribe known as the Dumnonii dominated the region. To protect their territory they built spectacular hill forts with deep ditches and massive earthwork ramparts that still carve into Devon's hillsides.
Roman Times:
For the Roman army, Devon was a wild frontier. To secure their hold, the Second Augustan Legion built a large timber fortress on a hill overlooking the River Exe. This quickly evolved into Isca Dumnoniorum, known today as the city of Exeter.
The Romans brought their signature urban lifestyle to Devon. They encircled Exeter with monumental stone walls, sections of which still stand today. Beneath modern streets lie the remains of a vast Roman public bathhouse, complete with under floor heating systems. While Exeter became a bustling center of Mediterranean trade importing wine, olive oil, and fine pottery. The local Celtic Dumnonii tribe largely maintained their traditional farming lifestyles in the countryside, adapting subtly to the Roman peace while supplying the Empire with cattle, grain and Devon’s highly prized tin.
Anglo Saxon Times:
Following the collapse of Roman rule in the 5th century Devon returned to a collection of independent Celtic kingdoms. However, to the east the Anglo-Saxons of Wessex were rising. Over two centuries of skirmishes and gradual migration, the Saxons slowly absorbed Devon into their kingdom. By the 8th century, the region was known as Defnascir (the shire of the inhabitants of Dumnonia).
The defining figure of this era was King Alfred the Great. Facing relentless Viking raids in the 9th century, Alfred established a network of fortified towns called "burhs" across his kingdom to protect his people.
In Devon, he fortified Exeter, Totnes, Lydford, and Pilton. These fortified strongholds successfully repelled numerous Viking attacks.
During this period, the Christian church took deep root. Great monasteries were established, and Exeter became the seat of a powerful bishopric in 1050, cementing Devon's religious and political importance in Anglo-Saxon England.
Norman Times:
The year 1066 brought the Norman Conquest, and Devon did not submit easily. In 1068, Exeter rebelled against William the Conqueror. The King marched south and laid siege to the city for eighteen days. When Exeter negotiated a surrender, the king immediately ordered the construction of Rougemont Castle using distinctive red volcanic stone to build a towering gateway that stood as a permanent symbol of Norman dominance.
To control the rest of Devon's rebellious countryside Norman barons built castles at strategic river crossings and valley choke points.
In 1086 Norman officials compiled the Domesday Book, a survey of land and wealth. The document reveals that medieval Devon had a thriving agricultural economy. Its wealth was built on vast estates, expanding sheep farms, and a rapidly growing wool trade.
The Normans also replaced simple Anglo-Saxon wooden churches with heavy stone structures including the foundations of Exeter Cathedral.
Tudor and Stuart Times:
Devon became the launching pad for the golden age of maritime exploration. Captains like Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Sir John Hawkins sailed from Devon's ports to chart the New World, battle Spanish fleets, and establish global trade routes.
Industrial Revolution Times:
Devon saw rapid technological advancement. The county’s rugged geology was rich in minerals. The county became global hubs for copper, tin, and arsenic mining. In the 19th century Devon had one of the largest copper mines in the world, using cutting edge steam pumping engines to extract riches from deep underground.
The extraction of high quality china clay transformed the landscapes of Bovey Tracey and southern Dartmoor. To transport these heavy raw materials to the coastal ports, pioneering engineers constructed transport networks. They carved out the Stover Canal and engineered early horse drawn tramways, such as the Haytor Granite Tramway, which used unique granite rails to move stone down the mountain to build famous London landmarks.
Victorian Times:
Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the South Devon Railway. This connected Devon to London, sparking a massive tourism boom.
Victorian doctors began praising the health benefits of clean sea air and mild climates. Almost overnight, sleepy fishing villages along the southern coast transformed into fashionable resort towns. Grand Victorian villas, elegant piers, and sprawling palm lined promenades were constructed to accommodate wealthy tourists. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway opened in 1890 to carry passengers effortlessly up the sheer coastal cliffs using water balancing technology.
Modern Times:
During World War II, Devon's coastlines played a critical role in military history. Slapton Sands served as the primary rehearsal ground for the D-Day landings.
While agriculture, fishing, and tourism remain vital lifelines, Devon is also a growing hub for green technology, marine science, and world class research at the University of Exeter and the UK Met Office.
The designation of Dartmoor and Exmoor as National Parks, alongside the protection of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast ensures that Devon’s natural landscapes and history are safeguarded for generations to come.