Cultural Devon / Devon's History and Heritage / Georgian Devon

Georgian Devon

Even in the eighteenth century Devon's friendly climate and stunning scenery drew in wealthy people from far and wide, to leave behind them a legacy of some the most elegant architecture of the age. Look around in many of Devon's towns and villages, and you will see fine examples of Georgian buildings.

Leading the field is undoubtedly Exeter, which grew in popularity and size throughout the Georgian era. Though ancient industries and trades were declining, new trades and manufacture, particularly the woollen business, were coming along in their place and banks and other amenities sprang up. A prosperous middle class needed somewhere to live, hence the delightful terraces and crescents built at the time.

Rich gentry too left their mark with fine country mansions. Visit Arlington Court, a fine Regency house crowded with treasures and set in an extensive estate. Killerton, built for the Acland family, and the majestic Saltram House with its glorious interiors by Robert Adam, both demonstrate the influence of wealthy landed families.

Visit Coldharbour Mill, which produced yarn for nearly 200 years, to appreciate the advances brought by mechanisation, echoed by Barnstaple, a prosperous merchants' port at the time.