Cultural Devon / Devon's History and Heritage / Famous Devonians
Devon saints and explorers, writers and inventors have all made their mark on the national stage down the centuries. There's something in the blood here that brings out the adventurous!
Seafaring comes naturally to Devon men. Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Richard Grenville defended the realm with cunning and skill against the Spanish Armada, and voyaged far, to the Americas and beyond, in search of fame and - more importantly - fortune!
Explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Richard Burton were Devon-bred, as was Sir Francis Chichester, first solo circumnavigator of the globe.
St Boniface, born around 680, was one of the first Christian missionaries in northern Europe. His birthplace, Crediton, was therefore chosen as the first seat of the bishops of Devon.
Devon has nurtured many creative people too. Dame Agatha Christie drew much inspiration from her native Torquay, and Charles Kingsley was born near Buckland. Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge came from Ottery St Mary, and painters Sir Joshua Reynolds from near Plymouth and Nicholas Hilliard from Exeter.
There's definitely something inspirational about Devon! Even today, many famous musicians, chefs and sports and media people hail from here or have chosen to make it their home. Use this link to find out more about celebrities in Devon