14 June in Exeter

Great to be back in Exeter, home of ancient Roman walls aqueducts, bridges, and towers.  Many buildings were destroyed in World War 2, but I didn't think much happened here during the Great War.  However, recognition and remembrances are all around.

This poster is in several places in town.

My beautiful studio apartment was right next to these gardens, and they are starting to outline a place to build replica trenches, right behind this next statue.  The students love to party in this park.

Most of the town statues call the war the "Great War" and most of the monuments were installed between 1918-1920.  This one had a little plaque on the back, recognizing victims from WW2.

Even in the nearby beach town of Exmouth, we found poppy wreaths around the town square monument. They were gearing up for an event later in the summer. It's clear the British are committed to remembering the sacrifices of their soldiers.  But, it's time to get into vacation mode.  For me, that's more hiking and more history.  I'm looking for strange and wonderful sites.

So, here's "The House that Moved,", which was built in the 14th century right next to the Roman Road, moved in the 16th century, and just moved again to make way for Exeter student housing.  It's pretty far from campus, but near the Quay and beautiful walks.  The remains of part of the road are still attached.  You can see the builder wanted to avoid paying taxes, which were based on the footprint of the building.  There were no rules against building out over the next few stories, which this house accomplished.  It is now an upscale bridal salon.  The green plaque talks about it's history, and is attached to rocks, some dating back to 55 A.D.

Here are St. Mary's steps, probably redone in the 14th century with new stones. The cobblestones down the middle probably replaced an ancient, gravity-based sewer system originally developed by the Romans.

On to beaches, and a real vacation tomorrow!  Cheers!