Where dreams lead. Fairytale county of devonshire, england
Devonian(Devon) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the Southern England region. It is often called Devonshire, but this name only reflects some traditional and historical features and is not official. The county borders Cornwall to the west and Dorset and Somerset to the east. Coastline in the south it is washed by the English Channel, and in the north by Bristol Bay, through which Devon borders on Wales. Many rivers flow through the county.
Devon is the third largest county in England with an area of 6.564 km² and a population of 1,122,100. The capital is the city of Exeter, within the county there are two unitary units: the city of Plymouth and the conurbation of Torbay, consisting of seaside resort towns. However, a significant part of the county is occupied by the national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor or is rural, with a low population density for the UK.
Also located in the county is the only one in England natural object world heritage UNESCO - Jurassic Coast of Dorset and East Devon.
Devon was one of the first areas of England to be settled at the end of the last ice age. Around 6000 BC the first hunters and gatherers settled in the Dartmoor area, they cut down most of the swamps that grew on the territory of the present oak forests. From those times, 500 Neolithic sites remain on Dartmoor.
In 43 AD, the Romans came to the southwestern peninsula of England, and by 55 they occupied the entire region, which they inhabited, according to the studies of the historian William Camden, Dumnoni - a Celtic people, from whose name the name came Devonian. The Romans kept the future county under occupation for 250 years. However, it did not succumb to Roman influence as much as neighboring Dorset and Somerset, mainly Roman traces are found in the current capital of Exeter and the city of Topsham, founded by the Romans as a seaport.
Around 410 AD. the Romans left Devon, and on the basis of the Roman settlements, the British state of Dumnonia was formed. In the middle of the ninth century it was swallowed up by Wessex.
Since the Norman Conquest of England, Devon has been the scene of many civil strife and warfare - including the War of the Rose and the White Rose, the rebellion of the impostor Perkin Warbeck in 1497, the Western Rebellion (due to the Reformation of the Church) of 1549, of course, did not bypass the county and English revolution. In 1688, the arrival of William of Orange began glorious revolution in Brixham.
As a primarily agrarian county, Devon, like Cornwall to the west, is less developed than the rest of the southern counties due to a decline in traditional industries - especially fishing, mining and agriculture. The foot-and-mouth disease epidemic that broke out in 2001 greatly damaged the local economy.
After the railroad was brought to Devon in the 19th century, seaside resorts flourished in the county, helped both by the local mild climate and historical heritage coupled with wonderful nature. During this time, tourism became a mainstay of the Devonian economy. However, since the middle of the 20th century, there has been a decline in seaside tourism in the country, and only in last years there has been some resurgence of tourist interest in the county, mainly due to national parks. In 2004, the income from this industry amounted to 1.2 billion pounds.
Devon has spawned many customs and even sports, such as wrestling of its own. Back in the 19th century, a crowd of 17,000 gathered in Devonport for a fight between the champions of Devon and Cornwall. Another Devonian sport was "outhurling", which was played until the 20th century. The Dartmoor step has survived to this day - a special dance, and in the city of Ottery the traditional form of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night is still preserved - people who have lived in the city for quite a long time are invited to run through the streets with barrels of burning tar on their backs.
Devon is home to the bases of three professional football clubs: Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Torquay United. Rugby and speedway are also popular in the county - a kind of motorcycle sport.
Through Devon pass the so-called "Atlantic Highway" - a major highway, as well as Railway and two national bike tracks - NCR 2 and NCR 3. Near the county capital is located international Airport Exeter, while the cities of Plymouth, Dartmouth and Teignmouth have large seaports. Through local rivers, they are melted down mainly on ferries.
Devon's secondary schools are mostly general education, although there are grammar schools (lyceums) in Colyton, Churston and Torquay. There are 37 public and 23 private schools in the county. In most schools, you can study in the preparatory (pre-university) class. Among the many Devonian colleges worth noting is the internationally recognized Darlington College of Art. There are two universities in the county - the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, although higher education can be obtained at the Plymouth College of Saints Mark and John (The University College Plymouth St Mark & St John), and in the so-called "Plymouth University College Network".
Famous sailors Sir Francis Drake and Walter Reilly were born in Devon, as well as writer Agatha Christie, poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and vocalist of the Coldplay rock band Chris Martin.
A geological epoch is named after Devon by scientist Adam Sedgwick. The motto of the county is the phrase "God help!", the former motto of Sir Francis Drake.
In England, one of the most colorful national places considered the county of Devonshire, located on the northern shores of the English Channel. Looking magical beautiful houses and castles, it's hard to imagine that this magnificence is not pictures from fairy tales, but the most modern Great Britain. Since ancient times, the county has been attracting lovers of everything extraordinary with trips along these incredible picturesque places, admire not only the regal architecture of huge palaces, but also charming rural houses.
If you want to learn about the traditions and true life of the English, or you are a fan of hiking or green tourism, then it is better to start your trip from Devonshire (Devon). This type of tourism is welcomed by both the authorities and the residents themselves.
Walking through the fantastically beautiful villages, which have long been famous for their picturesque courtyards and front gardens, one can only wonder how ordinary peasants could create such magnificence. After all, each house and courtyard is not just planted with greenery, caring owners turn it into real masterpieces from plants in an incredible way.
This kind economic development contributed to the fact that in the 19th century a railway was laid in these parts. And the crowds who want to enjoy the picturesque nature and rest in such a mild climate just rushed to these places. Since then, resorts and tourism have become the main source of income for the entire county.
Indeed, in these places there are extremely many attractions that are very fond of visiting not only the guests of the country, but also the British themselves. These are the most picturesque national parks - Exmoor and Dartmoor, in their thickets you can meet rare animals and unusual birds, see trees, shrubs and flowers of incredible beauty.
The main attraction not only of Devonshire, but of the whole of Great Britain and even Europe, is the Jurassic Coast, located on the eastern side of the English Channel. This is a prehistoric mountain complex with a length of 150 kilometers with small and convenient bays, ancient chalk caves and magnificent sandy beaches, which occasionally present fantastic surprises in the form of petrified remains of dinosaurs from the Triassic period of the Mesozoic era. Such geological wonder recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and protected by law.
Speaking in general about architecture, it is the ecological component that prevails in the county, because even after many decades, local residents, as in the good old days, use exclusively natural materials.
Take a look at these roofs, because you will not see metal tiles or any other modern roofing material anywhere, the houses are covered exclusively with reeds or straw. The cloisters themselves are built of natural stone, and clay is actively used for interior and exterior decoration.
The county of Devonshire, or Devon (English Devonshire, abbreviated English Devon), can rightfully be called fabulous. Houses of rare beauty, lovingly decorated with flowers and climbing plants, create the illusion of a fairy tale. Many rivers flow through the county. Nevertheless, most of the territory of the county is occupied by the national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor or is rural, with a low population density for England. It is in this Devonshire, by the way, that the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and East Devon is located, the only natural site in England listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have you watched Jurassic Park? Dinosaur bones were among the first found here.
The county's motto is "God willing", which was Sir Francis Drake's motto. Apparently, with God's help, such an amazing place was created.
Devonshire (or Devon), located in the southwest of England, is considered the third largest county in the country.
In the county, everyone is concerned about the problem of ecology, and therefore, landscaping and construction from environmental materials are very developed. The roofs are covered with reeds. Local houses are a bit like Ukrainian "huts" with front gardens in front of the house.
A large area of Devonshire is occupied by national parks. Tourism is the main source of income for the county. In the 19th century, after the construction of the railway, along which, by the way, the heroes of Conan Doyle, Sir Henry and Dr. Watson arrived, coastal tourism was developed.
Lots of tourists come to visit hiking trails this natural park, admire how various birds, animals and plants coexist side by side, many of which are on the list of rare or protected.
Devon's capital is Exeter and the county's largest city is Plymouth, which has been called "the most desirable city in Britain". It was from Plymouth that it began in 1620 famous journey Pilgrim Fathers in North America on the ship "The Mayflower". Today Plymouth is a dream city for lovers beach holiday And aquatic species sports.
But in Devonshire, not only big cities. Rural expanses here are rightly called fabulous. When you look at these houses, you really get the feeling that you are in a fairy tale.
The buildings here are all of rare beauty, lovingly decorated with climbing plants and flowers. Like all the British, the inhabitants of the county think about the environment - their future, unlike us, is very exciting. Everything is made of ecological materials, and the roof is covered with reeds.
A bit of history
The territory of Devon began to be settled by people immediately after the ice age, from those times about 500 Neolithic sites remained in the Dartmoor area, which gave archaeologists a lot of information and valuable finds. By A.D. 55 e. The Romans occupied the region and left only 250 years later. Roman settlements became the basis for the creation of the British state. Revolutions and wars followed, including a brutal war with a romantic name - Scarlet and White Roses.
Devonshire has played a significant role in the art of creating detective stories: it was here that Agatha Christie, the author of many wonderful novels with a detective story, was born, the action of the movie "10 Little Indians" took place here, the famous Baskerville dog lived here and terrified the locals at night.
Devon was one of the first areas of England to be settled at the end of the last ice age. Around 6000 BC the first hunter-gatherers settled in the Dartmoor area, they cut down much of the oak forests growing in what is now swampland. From those times, 500 Neolithic sites remain on Dartmoor.
In 43 AD, the Romans came to the southwestern peninsula of England, and by 55 they occupied the entire region they inhabited. Dumnoni- Celtic people, from whose name the name came Devonian. The Romans kept the future county under occupation for 250 years. Around 410 AD. the Romans left Devon, and on the basis of the Roman settlements, the British state of Dumnonia was formed. In the middle of the ninth century it was swallowed up by Wessex.
The capital of Devon is a city Exeter. He is on the river The ex, which gave it its name, not far from its mouth. 
Unlike others English cities little remains in Exeter historical buildings. The fact is that in 1942 Exeter became one of the five cities in England destroyed by order of Hitler in retaliation for the British bombing of Lübeck (a city in northern Germany). 
Exeter main square - Cathedral Close.
Exeter's main attraction is Cathedral Apostle Peter.
The earliest mention of the cathedral dates back to 1050, but Exeter Cathedral was officially founded in 1133. In 1258, the architecture of the cathedral was recognized as obsolete and it began to be rebuilt in gothic style following the example of Salisbury Cathedral, which was located nearby. 
But most of the buildings in the Norman style have survived - this is part of the walls and two massive towers.
in the cathedral England's longest continuous vaulted ceiling.
Henry Wollam Morton in his book "England and Wales. Walks in Britain" describes Exeter Cathedral as follows: " All the arches here are impeccable, and each is an exact repetition of the previous one, any of the columns is a copy of the one opposite. Reminds me of music transcribed into the language of mathematics! At some point, it begins to seem that all this perfection is about to ascend to heaven or dissolve in the sounds of a cold parade anthem. The only thing that binds the Exeter Temple to the ground is an organ installed in a deliberately bad place(namely, above the choir stalls), so that it closes the large east window. Architect's miscalculation serves as a lifeline for Exeter".
Life size model of a capstone. 
During World War II, Exeter Cathedral was badly damaged by air raids. Fortunately, most of the valuables were stored in a bomb shelter in. For example, the large oriental stained glass window is a fine example of high art from the 14th century. 
In the nave of the cathedral there is a unique Minstrels Gallery which dates back to 1360. The gallery consists of 12 sculptures of angels playing medieval musical instruments. 
Also interesting wooden episcopal throne(works of 1470). It is so tall that it does not fit in one photo. 
Choirs 
The very first footrests ( misericords) were installed in the choirs of the cathedral. They could sit quietly during a long service. The coasters are made in the form of animals, mythical creatures. 
Exeter Cathedral is also famous astronomical clock
made in the 15th century. They are interesting in that their creation was based on the idea that it is the Earth, and not the Sun, that is the center of the Universe. The clock shows not only the time, but also the phases of the moon. 
To prevent mice from spoiling the mechanism, the doors are made cat hole bishop. 
And once again about the organ. Organ located on a decorated plinth between the nave and the choir. It was originally built in 1665 and rebuilt by Henry Williss in 1891. It has some non-standard details that make it stand out from the rest. 
The cathedral is decorated with flowers. 
The chapel in which Bishop Oldham rests (beginning of the 16th century) is decorated with various images owls. The reason lies in the pun of the bishop's surname "Ow[l]dem" and its local pronunciation. 
The western facade of the cathedral is decorated with statues of kings and angels. 
Like many other cities, Exeter keeps traces of the presence of the Romans, Britons, Anglo-Saxons and other peoples here. From the Romans who built quite a lot here Big city, preserved part fortress wall and Roman terms. 
A fragment of the city wall with a memorial tablet: July 16, 1452 to the city through south gate city walls entered King Henry VI. 
Ruins preserved Saxon church.
William the Conqueror built here Rougemont castle.
Exeter has the oldest public park in England, which is located with north side Rougemont castle, Northernhei Gardens(Northernhay Gardens). 
It was founded in 1612 and is considered a place where residents of the city of Exeter can walk. 
In Roman times, there were quarries on the site of the park, where stone was mined for the construction of city walls. 
In 1642 during civil war a huge moat was dug in the park to protect Exeter, from which the park lost its former appearance. In 1664, the inhabitants of the city restored the Northernhey Gardens on their own: they planted several hundred elms and laid gravel paths.
After extensive redevelopment and refurbishment in 1860, Northernhey Gardens took on a Victorian landscape style. Monuments, statues were erected in the park, beautiful trees and shrubs were planted, beautiful flower beds were planted. 
By the mid-twentieth century, the ancient elm gardens were covered with a fungus (Dutch elm disease). All trees have been cut down, but the area still remains attractive.
City Hall built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest existing municipal buildings in the country. 
In the southwest of England, north coast The English Channel is home to the amazing and magical county of Devonshire. On its territory, there are mainly picturesque villages where people live in fabulously beautiful houses.
Covered with ivy and decorated with flowers, these extraordinary houses make a stunning impression. locals they prefer buildings made of environmentally friendly and natural materials, so the roofs of the houses are often covered with reed stems.
In the 20th century, pretty English villages lost some of their popularity. Swift technical progress and global industrialization have brought new entertainment to the fore. But today people are again returning to the idea of a calm and secluded holiday in the bosom of nature.
Devonshire is home to two magnificent national parks Exmoor and Dartmoor. Fresh air And beautiful landscapes invariably attract travelers.
The English are very fond of hiking. And Devonshire is the best suited for such leisure. You can go to any railway stations and wander around on foot, admiring the pretty houses and the beauties of nature.
And lodging for the night can always be found in one of the village hotels.
The city of Dartmoor was one of the first large settlements within the county. Entire oak groves were cut down for its construction. Wastes formed in their place. It was here, according to the plan of Arthur Conan Doyle, that the estate of Sir Henry Baskerville was located.
In the nineteenth century, a railway appeared in Devon. As a result, the British began to spend time on seaside resorts counties. The mild climate and marvelous nature attracted vacationers to these places.
Everyone who has studied history knows that one of the geological periods is called the Devonian. This name in honor of his native county was given to him by the scientist Adam Sedgwick. The remains of ancient dinosaurs were found for the first time in Devonshire.
The capital of the county, majestic Exeter, stands on the banks of the River Ex.
Winding cobbled streets, a gothic cathedral and one of Britain's most famous universities define this city today.
Fabulous resort town Plymouth is sometimes referred to as "Britain's most desirable city". From the Plymouth port, the Mayflower merchant ship once set sail, on which the Pilgrim Fathers set off to conquer America.
But not large cities, but small villages make up the true charm of the ancient English county.
Small houses, buried in flowers and entwined with intricate plants, evoke a complete sense of a fairy tale.
It is precisely such landscapes that Charles Perrault or the Brothers Grimm saw in front of them when they composed their magic stories.
Devonshire produces a very tasty cream, which has long become a special trademark, like Chester cheese or Yorkshire ham.
Devonshire is one of the three largest counties in the UK and can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
