The break water in Plymouth, 1830.

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The Breakwater was begun in August 1812; and the inexhaustible limestone quarries in the neighbourhood of Plymouth presented an abundant supply of materials.

Blocks of limestone, of about two tons weight each, were thought sufficiently large to resist the shock of the waves. The stones were thrown overboard from vessels constructed expressly for the purpose and were allowed to find their own positions; but arrangements were made by which, if necessary, the heaviest masses might have been deposited with the greatest nicety.

The breakwater when complete will stretch across the Sound 1700 yards, nearly in a direction of east and west. The middle is continued in a straight line for one thousand yards.

 

Although it was stated it was finished in 1841, by June 1847 there was still 70 yards left to be completed.

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Plymouth Citadel

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A short description of the Citadel, Plymouth Hoe from a historian in the nineteenth century.

The CITADEL was built in the reign of CharlesII. In the late 1660s and stands at the eastern end of the Hoe. It consists of three regular and two irregular bastions, and curtains of the regular bastions are further strengthened by two ravelins and horn works; on the east, north, and west sides are the deep ditch, counterscarp, and covered way, pallisadoed. The parapets are mounted with pieces of cannon. The entrance is through two gateways with drawbridges. In the interior is a spacious esplanade around which are the officers houses, chapel, magazines, hospital, and barracks. The centre is embellished with a bronze statue of George II. in the costume of a Roman warrior. The pedestal bears English and a Latin inscription. The ramparts of the Citadel, which are nearly three quarters of a mile circuit, afford a very delightful prospect and form a charming promenade.

 

An update; Guided tours are arranged for visitors to walk around the Citadel, but your tour may be cancelled without prior notice as the Citadel is still an operational Military establishment.

 

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The Plymouth Hoe in the days of old.

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Plymouth Hoe described by a historian in the 1830s.

The Hoe, which may be called “the lungs” of Plymouth, lies on the south of the town.

It occupies the whole line of the Sound, facing the south, and is an open eminence devoid of trees and shrubs, but overlaid with velvet green award in the centre of which is a wide gravelled path, used as a promenade by the inhabitants of Plymouth, who has free access to all parts of this delightful spot.

 

In the cool evening of a sultry day on Plymouth Hoe, the habitants of all ranks and conditions may be seen crowding to this spot to inhale the refreshing sea breezes, and there, on a plain surface half a mile long, they may escape the lassitude generated by cares and contracted atmosphere, or, descending by a gentle declivity to the shore, receive that quiet and solitary satisfaction which is always found in the neighbourhood of the great deep when the waters are still.

 

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Transport in nineteenth century Plymouth

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A historians insight in to the transport regularly used in Plymouth in the 1830’s, Trains weren’t introduced in Plymouth until 1845.

Six coaches start for London every day- namely, five in the morning and one in the evening. A steam packet- the Sir Francis Drake opens a ready communication with Falmouth and the intermediate ports on the Cornish coast; and once a week she visits the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. This vessel- during the summer months makes frequent trips to the Eddystone and other objects of attraction in the vicinity that are accessible by water.

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The inhabitants of Devonport-Plymouth

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A description from 1830s; one of many changes to Devonport-Plymouth.

 

The stigma which was affixed to the name of Plymouth- Dock cannot with justice be applied to Devonport, a spirit of intelligent enquiry having lately sprung up among the inhabitants. We have already alluded to the Mechanics Institute, which even in its present infant state is manifesting its powerful tendencies to enlighten an ingenious and indispensable class of our population.

(The Devonport Mechanics Institute closed its building due to lack of attendance on the 14^th June 1881. The collections of books were purchased by Devonport Corporation to form the basis of the new Devonport free library.)

 

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Devonport column Plymouth

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The Devonport Column described in the eighteen hundreds.(below) is being updated in the C21st.

Close to the Town-hall is the Devonport column, erected by public subscription to commemorate the alteration in the name of the town. It is a noble fluted pillar of the Grecian Doric order, and its height above the level of the street is 124 feet. A spiral stair-case within the shaft conducts to the summit, from which the spectator enjoys a grand and extensive prospect. The hills, vales, fields, woods, and water, from Hengeston Down in the north to the ocean in the south- from the wilds of Dartmoor in the east to the billowy eminences of Cornwall in the west- lie before the gaze in a beautiful varied panorama; while the eye looks down on Devonport and its immediate vicinity as on a map.

The real ideas organisation (RIO) has secured a heritage lottery fund grant of £685,000 to restore the iconic Devonport Column; giving the public access to the top viewing platform for the first time in fifty years. Work is due to be completed in Oct 2012.

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Devonport in 1826.

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Here is a description of Devonport in Plymouth as it was in 1826.

The new public buildings and private dwelling houses which have been lately erected in Devonport are characterized by taste and elegance.

The town-hall in Ker-Street possesses a noble and classical exterior. The front is a Doric Portico with four massive fluted columns, producing, when viewed at a distance, a very fine effect. A flight of stone steps leads to the hall; beneath the halls are the town prisons and watch- house.

Hope you found this interesting!

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Devonport in the 1800's

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Here's another historical anecdote about Devonport at the heart of old Plymouth

Devonport has been fortified ever since the reign of George II. And a few years since considerable progress were made in the construction of lines on a more extended scale. The entrances to the town from the land are three-one from Stoke, one from Stonehouse, and the other from Morice-Town.

Plymouth Guest House

Historical Plymouth

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Here is an historic description of Devonport (Plymouth) from the year 1828. Thought you might find this interesting.

The streets are wide and well- built, intersecting each other, with some few exceptions, at right angles. The foot-ways are paved with variegated marble, raised from the quarries in the neighbourhood, and presenting, when washed by a shower, a most beautiful appearance.

Devonport may not have been quite so up-market in recent years but it is currently undergoing a lot of redevelopment - perhaps it's former glory may be restored?

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Tudor House B&B Plymouth

For a great little Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth situated right on the Hoe try the Tudor House. Sue and Barry run an excellent B&B.

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Bed and Breakfast Plymouth