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Entertainment, News and Information about Plymouth, Devon. Promoting Plymouth Online |
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| Plymouth - A History |
| Origins |
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| It is believed that the earliest origins of Plymouth can be traced back more than 3,000 years ago to a small Iron Age settlement at Mountbatten. There is some evidence to suggest that people in the area were trading tin with Pheonicians before the arrival of the Romans, and in Saxon times it was known as a fishing village. |
Farmland on the mouth of the River Plym became Sutton Harbour, the heart of medieval Plymouth. The earliest record of cargo leaving Plymouth is 1211. |
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| City Status |
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| Plymouth became more important as a community and as a port during this period. In 1254 its town status was recognized by Royal Charter. |
In 1439 Plymouth was the first town in England to be granted a Charter by Parliament. |
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| Trade |
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| During the Hundred Years War, Plymouth began to trade increasingly with the rest of England, the Baltics and Northern Europe, whilst fortifications were built up to protect the town from French invasion. Over the succeeding centuries, Plymouth became known as a centre for voyage and discovery. |
At the same time, its military importance increased. Plymouth's maritime and military significance has been a major factor in the development of the city's character. Clues to this are to be found in abundance in the city's architecture and layout. |
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A Plymouth Barbican, Plymouth Hoe & Plymouth City website |
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