The Exeter city walls are the historic fortifications surrounding the city of Exeter, Devon, England. They are a scheduled monument and survive as a circuit approximately 2.35 kilometres (1.46 miles) in length, of which about 72% (1,705 metres) is still visible, with some sections standing up to 2.5 metres high.
Origins and Construction
The walls were originally built by the Romans circa 200 AD around the settlement of Isca Dumnoniorum, replacing an earlier earth bank constructed around 120 AD. The circuit originally had four gateways (Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate, and Westgate), all of which were dismantled in the 18th and 19th centuries. The South Gate was demolished in 1819, the East Gate in 1784, and the North Gate in 1769.
Later History and Modifications
The walls were repaired and rebuilt during the Anglo-Saxon, medieval, and English Civil War periods. During the Anglo-Saxon period, King Athelstan (reigned 924–939) is traditionally credited by the historian William of Malmesbury with building the walls, though this likely refers to significant Saxon repairs and strengthening rather than original construction. The city was besieged at least twice in its history—during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549 and the English Civil War (1642–1651). Several turrets and bastions along the wall are of uncertain date, having been added or modified over various periods.
Present Day
The surviving walls contain a mixture of work from the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, medieval, and post-medieval periods. The circuit encloses an area of approximately 37 hectares (92 acres). The walls are owned by Exeter City Council. Notable visible sections include those near Northernhay Gardens, Rougemont Castle, and Western Way. A self-guided City Wall Trail, with interpretation boards, allows visitors to follow the circuit.
