Exeter's Vanishing Legacy: A Journey Through Lost Landmarks and Forgotten Streets
Have you ever wondered what Exeter looked like before the relentless march of progress reshaped its skyline? From grand Georgian crescents to historic theaters, the city has bid farewell to countless treasures over the centuries. But here's where it gets fascinating: some of these losses were inevitable, while others remain hotly debated. Join us as we delve into the stories behind Exeter’s vanished landmarks, and don’t miss the controversial twist at the end that might just spark a heated discussion.
Exeter, a city steeped in history, has undergone dramatic transformations over the years. While some changes were gradual, others were swift and irreversible. Wars, natural disasters, and the ever-growing demand for student housing have all left their mark, reshaping the city’s landscape in ways both subtle and profound. In this exploration, we’ll revisit the buildings and streets that once defined Exeter, some of which have faded into distant memory, while others still linger in the collective consciousness. It’s a nostalgic journey, but also a thought-provoking one—because every lost landmark raises questions about preservation, progress, and the soul of a city.
Bedford Circus: A Georgian Masterpiece Lost to War
One of Exeter’s most lamented losses is Bedford Circus, a stunning crescent of Georgian buildings that fell victim to the Luftwaffe’s bombing raids in 1942. Originally a Dominican friary dating back to the 13th century, it was later transformed into a townhouse that hosted Queen Henrietta Maria during the Civil War. Princess Henrietta Anne was born here, adding a royal touch to its storied history. By the 1770s, plans were underway to create Bedford Circus, and the project was finally completed in 1825. Hailed as Exeter’s finest Georgian architecture, its destruction left a void that was later filled by the city’s main Post Office in the 1950s. But here’s the controversial part: was enough done to save these buildings, or was their fate sealed by the era’s priorities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Western Way: A Modern Approach at a Historic Cost
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 thoroughfare, erasing older structures in the process. The demolition captured in the photo above took place during the same decade Bedford Circus was torn down, marking a period of significant urban renewal. In the background, you can still see the Exeter Synagogue and the old hospital, now partially converted into student flats. This raises a question: is progress worth the price of losing our historical footprint?
St James Park: When Sports and Nostalgia Collide
In 2017, Exeter City’s Old Grandstand at St James Park was demolished after standing tall since 1926. Affectionately known as the Stagecoach Family Stand, it was replaced by a modern 1,600-seater stand named after Adam Stansfield, the club’s beloved striker who passed away in 2010. While the new facilities—spacious bars, food outlets, and live game broadcasts—were a welcome upgrade, the loss of the old stand stirred emotions among fans. Funded partly by student housing developments and fan groups, this project highlights the delicate balance between preserving history and meeting contemporary needs. But is it possible to have both?
Exeter Cricket Club: A Century-Old Pavilion Replaced by Flats
Sports enthusiasts mourned the 2015 demolition of Exeter Cricket Club’s iconic pavilion on Prince of Wales Road. Opened by cricketing legend W.G. Grace over a century ago, it was more than just a building—it was a symbol of the city’s sporting heritage. Yet, it was replaced by student flats, a decision that sparked widespread sadness. The club, the only wholly amateur team in the Devon Premier Division, argued that the move was necessary to secure its future. A new £800,000 pavilion has since been built, but the loss of the original remains a sore point. Was this a fair trade-off, or did Exeter lose more than it gained?
RD&E Chimney: A Landmark’s Silent Farewell
In 2006, Exeter’s skyline changed forever with the demolition of the RD&E hospital chimney. Standing at 198 feet, it had been a prominent feature since 1969, serving the hospital’s boiler house and laundry. Built of reinforced concrete, its removal was necessitated by structural issues and the transition to a new energy center. While its demise was practical, it marked the end of an era. Did this industrial relic deserve a place in Exeter’s modern landscape, or was its removal a necessary step forward?
The High Street: A Casualty of the Blitz
The Exeter Blitz of 1942 left an indelible scar on the city, with two-thirds of the High Street destroyed. Landmarks like Dellers Cafe and the Globe Hotel were lost, along with the city’s main library and its priceless collection of books and documents. The Baedeker Raids, which also targeted Newtown, St Thomas, and the cathedral, claimed 156 lives and left 563 injured. The rebuilding process took years, but the city’s character was forever altered. How do we honor such losses while moving forward?
Savoy Exeter: The Cinema That Survived Bombs but Not Progress
Designed in 1936 by W.R. Glen, the Savoy Cinema was once Britain’s most technologically advanced theater. Despite being hit by 18 incendiary bombs during World War Two, it stood firm—even hosting The Beatles for three sold-out shows in the 1960s. Yet, it couldn’t escape the wrecking ball, closing in 1987 and being demolished shortly after. A petition to save it gathered 4,000 signatures, but to no avail. Its final films, Personal Services and Top Gun, marked the end of an era. Was its demolition a missed opportunity to preserve a cultural icon?
Theatre Royal: A History of Flames and Farewells
Exeter’s theatrical history is a tale of resilience and tragedy. The Theatre Royal, built in 1821, burned down in 1885, only to be replaced by another that suffered a catastrophic fire in 1887, claiming 186 lives. Designed by Charles Phipps, a renowned theatrical architect, it was a grand venue that kept Exeter’s cultural scene alive. Yet, it closed in 1962, replaced by an office block. Some artifacts were saved, but the loss remains profound. And this is the part most people miss: could modern safety measures have saved it, or was its fate inevitable?
Final Thoughts: A City in Flux
Exeter’s lost landmarks are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re chapters in the city’s story. As we reflect on what’s been lost, we’re forced to ask: how do we balance progress with preservation? Should we fight harder to save our heritage, or is change an unavoidable part of urban evolution? Share your thoughts below—this is a conversation that deserves to be heard.
