Exeter's Vanishing Legacy: A Journey Through Lost Streets and Forgotten Landmarks
Have you ever wondered what Exeter looked like before the relentless march of progress reshaped its skyline? From grand Georgian crescents to iconic theaters, the city has bid farewell to countless treasures over the centuries. Some losses were swift and dramatic, while others faded quietly into obscurity. Join us as we unearth the stories behind these vanished landmarks, and explore the forces that have molded Exeter into the city we know today.
A City Transformed: From War to Modernization
Exeter’s evolution is a tale of resilience and reinvention. While gradual modernization has left its mark, the city has also endured abrupt upheavals. Wars, natural disasters, and the ever-growing demand for student housing have all played a role in reshaping its landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: as we mourn the loss of historic gems, should we also question the priorities that led to their demise? Is progress always worth the price of our heritage?
Bedford Circus: A Georgian Masterpiece Lost to the Blitz
One of Exeter’s most heartbreaking losses is Bedford Circus, a stunning crescent of Georgian buildings that once graced the city. Originally a Dominican friary from the 13th century, it later became a townhouse that hosted Queen Henrietta Maria during the Civil War. Princess Henrietta Anne was born here, adding a royal touch to its history. Rebuilt in the 18th century, Bedford Circus was hailed as the finest example of Georgian architecture in Exeter. But its grandeur was short-lived; the Luftwaffe’s 1942 bombing reduced it to rubble. The site now houses the city’s main Post Office, leaving us to wonder what might have been.
Western Way: Clearing the Past for a Modern Thoroughfare
Today, Western Way dominates the approach to Exe Bridges, but rewind to the 1950s, and you’d find a vastly different scene. The area was gradually cleared to make way for this modern road, erasing decades of history. In the background of the demolition photos, you can still see the Exeter Synagogue and the old hospital, now partially converted into student flats. And this is the part most people miss: while progress is inevitable, does it always require us to erase the past?
St James Park: When Nostalgia Meets Modernity
Sports fans will remember the 2017 demolition of the Old Grandstand at St James Park, home of Exeter City FC. Standing tall since 1926, the stand was replaced by the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand, honoring the club’s beloved striker. While the new facilities—spacious bars, food outlets, and live game broadcasts—are a welcome upgrade, the loss of the old stand stirred nostalgia. Chairman Julian Tagg acknowledged the challenges, from legal hurdles to balancing development with tradition. But here’s a thought: in our quest for modernity, are we losing the soul of our historic spaces?
Exeter Cricket Club: A Century of History Traded for Student Flats
Another casualty of Exeter’s evolving landscape is the iconic pavilion of the Exeter Cricket Club. Demolished in 2015, this 100-year-old structure—once opened by cricketing legend WG Grace—made way for student flats. While the new £800,000 pavilion at the County Ground is a worthy replacement, the loss of the original stirred widespread sadness. Officials argued that the development secured the club’s future, but it raises a question: can we strike a balance between preserving history and meeting contemporary needs?
RD&E Chimney: A Landmark Silenced by Time
In 2006, Exeter’s skyline changed forever with the demolition of the RD&E hospital chimney. Built in 1969, this 198ft concrete giant served the hospital’s boiler house and laundry for decades. However, structural issues and the need for modern energy systems sealed its fate. While progress demands such changes, the chimney’s absence serves as a reminder of the transient nature of even our most enduring landmarks.
The High Street: A Scarred Legacy of the Blitz
The Exeter Blitz of 1942 left an indelible mark on the city, particularly the High Street. Two-thirds of this historic thoroughfare were destroyed, along with beloved landmarks like Dellers Cafe and the Globe Hotel. The Baedeker Raids, which also targeted Newtown, St Thomas, and the cathedral, claimed 156 lives and left 563 injured. The city’s main library, along with a million books and documents, was lost to the flames. The scars took years to heal, but the raids forever altered Exeter’s identity.
Savoy Exeter: Where History and Entertainment Collided
Set back from the High Street, the Savoy Cinema was a marvel of its time. Designed in 1936 by WR Glen, it was Britain’s most technologically advanced cinema, seating nearly 2,000 people. Remarkably, it survived 18 incendiary bombs during World War Two and even hosted The Beatles for three sold-out shows. Yet, despite a 4,000-strong petition to save it, the Savoy closed in 1987, projecting its final films before demolition. Its loss remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural institutions.
Theatre Royal: A Legacy in Flames
Exeter’s theatrical history is a tale of resilience and tragedy. The Theatre Royal, built in 1886 after its predecessor burned down, was a grand affair designed by Charles Phipps. However, a devastating fire in 1887 claimed 186 lives, leaving the city reeling. Rebuilt and eventually closed in 1962, the theater’s legacy lives on in fragments—projection equipment in the Theatre Museum, chairs sold to enthusiasts, and rubble used to level Belle Vue Road. But its story prompts a question: how do we honor the past while embracing the future?
A Call to Reflection
As we walk Exeter’s streets today, it’s easy to forget the layers of history beneath our feet. Each lost building tells a story of the city’s triumphs and tragedies, its priorities and sacrifices. But here’s the ultimate question: as we continue to shape Exeter’s future, how can we ensure that progress doesn’t come at the expense of our heritage? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation alive.
