17 Fascinating Plymouth Facts Everyone Should Know

What do you look for in a city? Well, not just one thing, maybe!

You will be looking for history, some rich cultures, cool views, and some good nature. Well, you will be getting all of these in a particular city! Amazing 🎉 …isn’t it?

Located on the southwest coast of Devon, Plymouth is not just an ordinary city…it is something more beautiful! 

Go through these facts below! You will not regret it 🙌!

Fantastic Plymouth Facts

First offshore lighthouse: Eddystone Lighthouse!

Eddystone Lighthouse Of Plymouth

Plymouth served as the location of the first offshore lighthouse in the world!

Yes, you read that right!

From 1698 until 1703……

For many years, ships could securely dock at the Eddystone Lighthouse…which was built of wood.🌞

National Marine Aquarium: UK’s Deepest, to date!

Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium

Although Plymouth is well known for many things…as you can already expect..(yes. I know!)

You probably did not know that it is also the location of the UK’s deepest aquarium tank!

The tank, which is in the National Marine Aquarium, is more than 10 meters deep! 🏞

The tank cleans 75,000 liters of saltwater, which is used in a number of the aquarium’s exhibits!

A Market having 900 years of history!

YES!! 900 years!

The Plymouth Market…. situated on Cornwall Street has existed since the 13th century! 

Families can come together and shop for their necessities at this city market. 

There are numerous sellers inside the market selling a variety of things!!💐

The market also offers some of the city’s best street food! (your mouth is already watering!)

A great method to understand the area’s cuisine culture is to sample the different native specialties! [Just a little reminder]

Plybridge Woods: The kid’s favorite!

Plybridge Woods in Plymouth

Plybridge Woods is a great place to take the kids …if you’re seeking family-friendly activities! 

This beautiful park, which is a part of the National Trust….is a wonderful destination for families. 

Because it is a wonderful area to explore…children adore this forest park!

A well-maintained route network inside the park is ideal for taking extended hikes! 🌁

One of the best ways to escape a hectic metropolis is to take a stroll along the River Plym!!

The park provides several opportunities to see wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Plymouth: Captain Cook’s journey started from here!

Captain Cook…. You all know already!

NO?

He is a well-known explorer who traveled to many regions of the world!

Set out from Plymouth!!!! 🏝

The captain and his crew departed the harbor and set out on their now-famous travels in the year 1768.

Charles Darwin: The father of evolution lived here!

Charles Darwin The Father Of Evolution Lived in Plymouth

Charles Darwin lived in Plymouth for a brief period of time, though! 

Darwin is well-known for his theory of evolution and has written numerous books about it. 

Darwin spent three months in Plymouth while exploring Europe!! 😊

Now, you know…why this place is so famous!

Plymouth: The Origin of the Porcelain Industry!

Plymouth originated the porcelain industry

England‘s porcelain business is well-known around the world! 

It was one of the biggest porcelain exporters in the world for many years. 

But did you know that Plymouth was the birthplace of the British porcelain industry? 🥉

That’s right…a clever man in Plymouth is responsible for the development of the porcelain business. 

The porcelain business was first created in 1768 by chemist William Cookworthy, who lived in the region. 

China used to be the leader..in this case! But the game changed after Plymouth entered the industry!

Sir Francis Drake: Helped in bringing the first freshwater!

Sir Francis Drake helped bring the first freshwater

Even in the year 1591….interesting things were happening in Plymouth! 

In that year….the River Meavy was used to transport fresh drinking water to the city of Plymouth. 

The lives of those who resided in the city would alter as a result, and things would undoubtedly get simpler for them!

Sir Francis Drake…. accomplished many wonderful things for the region and the nation, establishing the freshwater system!

Nancy Astor: The first female to serve the Parliament!

The first female member of Parliament….Nancy Astor formerly resided in Plymouth. 

In 1919…. Astor started serving the Sutton district as a representative. 

She cleared the path for other women to serve in government ….as this was a significant deal at the time!

Truly, an inspiration!!

Plymouth: Home to the Giant Jellyfish!

Plymouth's Giant Jellyfish

You might encounter a huge jellyfish in Plymouth! 

Especially if you stroll down the shore during the warmer months. 🌏

Giant jellyfish swarms have washed up nearby. 

If you see one…. avoid touching it because it might be a frightening sight. 

These jellyfish are enormous aquatic creatures, weighing up to 35 kg each!!

People of Plymouth got a chance to witness Charlie Chaplin’s Performance!

Charlie Chaplin’s Performance in Plymouth

Although some members of the younger generations might not be familiar with him!

[which is really sad]

Charlie Chaplin once traveled to Plymouth! 

Famous actor Charlie Chaplin appeared in silent movies that were viewed by audiences all over the world. 

The actor drew large crowds from all around the nation to his performance at the New Palace Theatre.

The Gin Distillery: England’s oldest distillery!

The oldest distillery in England is situated in Plymouth! 

The Plymouth Gin Distillery initially made its presence known in 1793.

This distillery, which is still in operation….. gives tours to people who want to find out how gin is made. 

It has a long history and, ideally, will continue to produce gin for a very long time!

Plymouth Port: Historic port with reference to World Wars!

Plymouth Port

Throughout both World Wars….the Port of Plymouth was crucial!

During World War I…it served as a point of entry for soldiers….also, during World War II, it served as the D-Day embarkation site for American forces. 

Due to the port’s significance….Germany assaulted it regularly during World War 2. 

The port is still a crucial component of the UK today and is continuously used for business!!

Jacka’s Bakery: The oldest bakery in Plymouth!

Britain’s oldest continuously running commercial bakery…. The Jacka’s Bakery! 

It is on the Plymouth Barbican…. a local favorite and dates back to the early 1600s. 

According to legend, even the Pilgrim Fathers took some of their renowned biscuits aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and liked them!

Napoleon was held in Plymouth!

After losing at Waterloo….Napoleon Bonaparte was imprisoned in Plymouth Sound onboard HMS Bellerophon!

He was held from 26 July to 4 August 1815!

While the British Government decided what to do with him. 💂‍♀️

Later, he was exiled to St Helena, an island in the South Atlantic!

You can find the Snorkel here!

Snorkelling in Plymouth

‘Snorkel’ the Loggerhead Turtle…which had washed up on a Cornish beach in 1990!

It was saved and relocated to Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium. 

Mad Jack, a 12-pound lobster estimated to be at least 100 years old….moved into the Aquarium in early 2008 and quickly gained notoriety!

It is claimed that these Snorkel are blind turtles!!

Catherine of Aragon arrived in Plymouth!

In 1501…Catherine of Aragon paid a visit to Exeter. 

She was the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain!

Their divorce led to the establishment of the Church of England!!

In order to marry Prince Arthur…the oldest son of Henry VII and brother of the future Henry VIII, she traveled from Spain to London through Plymouth!

Summing up

Since the Mayflower Pilgrims sailed for the New World in 1620…Plymouth’s long history dates back to the Bronze Age!

It has seen substantial growth….numerous renowned figures… the handling of goods and travelers from the Americas.🌸🌸

This city is full of surprises in every corner! 

If you enjoyed it well, let’s get ready for another city? Or maybe another country.

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