The History of Devon
Devon is more than just a county of rolling hills and golden coastlines; it’s a living tapestry of British history. From prehistoric settlements and ancient Bronze Age relics, through Roman occupation, Saxon kingdoms, and Norman conquests, Devon has played host to nearly every chapter of England’s past. Its dramatic coastlines, fertile valleys, and strategic location have shaped not only its landscape but the cultures and communities that have called it home.
Over thousands of years, Devon evolved from its early Celtic roots to become a stronghold of maritime power, agricultural innovation, and cultural significance. Its towns and villages still echo with the legacy of Tudor explorers, Victorian grandeur, and 20th-century resilience, while two national parks, coastal strongholds, and historic market towns continue to preserve its timeless charm.
Origins & Prehistoric Devon
Devon’s story begins deep in prehistory, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Mesolithic period, shortly after the last Ice Age. Kents Cavern in Torquay remains one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe, with archaeological finds suggesting human occupation from as early as 6000 BC. These early inhabitants would have hunted, foraged, and gradually settled across the region’s rich natural landscapes.
By the Neolithic period, farming communities had begun to shape the land more deliberately, leaving behind a fascinating array of stone circles, burial mounds, and ritual monuments. Nowhere is this more evident than on Dartmoor, where the remains of Grimspound, a Bronze Age settlement dating to around 1300 BC, offer a remarkable glimpse into prehistoric life. The moor’s windswept tors and misty valleys are dotted with standing stones, hut circles, and stone rows, some of the earliest surviving examples of structured human habitation in England.
Celtic Devon and the Roman Period
Before Roman influence took hold, Devon was the land of the Dumnonii, a Celtic tribe whose name is thought to mean “deep valley dwellers.” Their stronghold stretched across what is now Devon and Cornwall, with a lifestyle rooted in hillforts, farming, and trade. The name “Devon” itself is derived from this ancient tribe, enduring through centuries of cultural change.
The arrival of the Romans in the 1st century AD brought new infrastructure, administration, and military presence to the region. The Legio II Augusta, under the command of Vespasian, established a major fortress at Isca Dumnoniorum (now Exeter), which would evolve into a Roman civitas (a tribal capital). From here, a network of roads spread across the region, connecting Roman villas, forts, and market settlements.
Despite the growing Roman presence, Devon remained on the fringe of Romanised Britain. Much of its rugged terrain and strong native traditions meant the Dumnonii culture persisted alongside Roman institutions. The blend of Roman military might and enduring Celtic roots laid the groundwork for the region’s distinct identity, one shaped by resilience, strategic significance, and deep cultural roots.
Anglo‑Saxon, Viking Raids & Medieval Shire
Following the slow retreat of Roman control, Anglo-Saxon expansion into Devon began in earnest around the 7th century. Though the native Dumnonii resisted assimilation for some time, Devon was gradually absorbed into the Kingdom of Wessex, and by the late 8th century, it had become officially recognised as a shire: a defined administrative region under Saxon rule.
To protect against frequent Viking raids, a network of fortified towns known as burhs was established. Notable examples include Exeter, Totnes, Lydford, and Barnstaple. These defensive settlements served as both military strongholds and emerging centres of trade, marking a significant phase in Devon’s urban development. The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought further transformation. Devon, like much of England, experienced the swift construction of stone castles to establish Norman authority. Castles at Exeter, Totnes, Okehampton, and Plympton were strategically built to command key routes and river crossings. These fortifications not only reinforced power but laid the foundation for medieval Devon’s feudal landscape, with towns growing around castle walls and cathedrals rising across the county.
Early Modern Turmoil & Revolutions
Devon played a pivotal role during some of the most turbulent chapters in England’s early modern history. During the English Civil War (1642-1651), the county’s allegiances were deeply divided, though Devon ultimately aligned with Parliament. Exeter became a Parliamentary stronghold, while Royalist forces held sway in parts of the South Hams and North Devon. The conflict left a lasting mark, with numerous skirmishes, sieges, and shifting lines of control across the region.
In 1685, Devon again found itself embroiled in national unrest during the Monmouth Rebellion. Supporters of the Duke of Monmouth (who claimed the throne from King James II) rose up across the West Country. After the rebellion was quashed at the Battle of Sedgemoor, the infamous “Bloody Assizes” were held in Exeter, where Judge Jeffreys presided over harsh trials and executions of suspected rebels.
Just three years later, Devon witnessed another historic moment when William of Orange landed at Brixham in 1688. His march through Devon, including a key route via Exeter, marked the beginning of the Glorious Revolution, which led to the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. This peaceful yet powerful transfer of power would reshape the political future of Britain, and it began on Devon’s very shores.
Industrial & Mining Heritage
While Devon may not be as synonymous with the Industrial Revolution as some northern counties, it nonetheless played a critical role in Britain’s industrial story, particularly through its rich mineral wealth. In the 19th century, Devon Great Consols, located near Tavistock, rose to prominence as one of the world’s most productive copper mines. The scale of production was immense, and the operation significantly influenced the economy and development of West Devon.
As copper reserves dwindled, the site shifted to become a major arsenic refining centre, supplying the global market with this then widely used substance. Today, the remnants of this powerful industrial legacy are preserved within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area’s engine houses, spoil heaps, and workers’ cottages serve as enduring markers of an era when Devon’s ground yielded the materials that helped power an empire.
Tourism, Conservation & Modern Significance
Today, Devon is celebrated not only for its deep-rooted history but also for its natural beauty, conservation efforts, and thriving tourism. Much of the county’s landscape is protected, with two national parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor) offering dramatic moorland, ancient woodland, and vast walking routes that attract visitors all year round. Along the coast, Devon’s geological story is quite literally written in stone: the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Dorset, reveals 185 million years of Earth’s history, including a recently discovered fossil forest on the Devon-Somerset border, dating back nearly 390 million years and lending its name to the Devonian period.
Devon also preserves its built heritage, with sites like Totnes Castle, one of the best-preserved examples of a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, and a network of heritage railways that provide nostalgic glimpses into 19th-century travel. The reopening of the Dartmoor railway line and new train stations across the region have further strengthened access, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore the region sustainably.
Devon’s charm lies in this harmonious blend of ancient and modern: a county where prehistoric forests, medieval castles, and revitalised railways exist alongside boutique hotels, independent eateries, and a rich artistic community. It’s this layered story that continues to make Devon a destination of enduring significance.
Luxury Hotel in Devon
Among Devon’s most iconic gems sits Burgh Island, a striking tidal island just off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea. Rich in history and dramatic coastal beauty, it is home to a remarkable Art Deco hotel that rises proudly from the island’s rugged landscape. Built in 1929 by film magnate Archibald Nettlefold, the hotel quickly became a haven for high society and 1930s partygoers. Its timeless elegance famously inspired Agatha Christie, who penned ‘And Then There Were None’ and ‘Evil Under the Sun’ while staying on the island.
Today, guests reach Burgh Island by walking the tidal causeway at low tide or riding the iconic sea tractor when the waters rise: a journey that feels like stepping into another world. With its refined interiors, dramatic views, and historic allure, Burgh Island remains one of Devon’s most distinctive retreats, inviting visitors to experience the rich heritage, natural splendour, and peaceful escape that define the very best of the county.