The Great American Heritage Trail

Walk this voyage of discovery and follow in the footsteps of some of Plymouth’s most historic visitors and settlers. This Anglo-American journey will show you a number of hidden treasures, making this an experience that will take you back in time. visitplymouth.co.uk Contact [email protected] WhatsOnPlymouth @visitplymouth +44 (0) 1752 306330 1 The Hoe

Start by standing on The Hoe Promenade, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, face away from the water, looking down Armada Way. Here you will see a number of monuments lining the promenade, including the Royal Naval War Memorial. Together with the Royal Marines and Royal Air Force Memorials, these bear sobering testament to Plymouth’s, and partnering troops, severe human losses in the global warfare of the 20th century. US troops were stationed here in WW2 and departed for Normandy landings on D-Day from Saltash passage.

Popular legend has it that it was on the Hoe, on 20th July 1588, that the Elizabethan Sea-Captain Sir Francis Drake was playing bowls when first news of sightings of the invading “Spanish Armada” was brought to him. Drake signified his wish to continue his game of bowls undisturbed, a cool reaction fabled as an act of English heroism. In reality, however, Drake and his fellow captains probably knew full well that the wind and tide conditions at that particular moment precluded the English Fleet from putting to sea immediately from Plymouth!

2 Smeaton’s Tower

Turning back to face the water, you will see Smeaton’s Tower – Plymouth’s lighthouse, which is open to the public most days.

The tower was built to the innovative designs of the Scottish Engineer John Smeaton in the years 1756-9, and originally stood nine miles out to sea on the Eddystone Rock. It was replaced and dismantled from the Rock and moved for preservation on the Hoe in the 1880’s.

Looking out across the water you will see views of Plymouth Sound – the gateway to Europe and beyond. During the 1930’s many of the greatest transatlantic ocean liners would have been seen regularly in the Sound, embarking or disembarking passengers and mail. These included the White Star Line’s “Olympic” (“Titanic’s” sister ship), Cunard’s “Mauretania” (holder of the “Blue Riband” 1905-35) and “Queen Mary” (now moored at Long Beach, California), the “Ile de France”, “Normandie”, “George Washington”, “Leviathan” and others. Earlier, during the First World War, the 33,000 men of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were disembarked here from a fleet of 32 liners upon their arrival in the Sound. 3 Elliot Terrace

Over your right shoulder, at the back of the Promenade, you will see seven elegant town houses – Elliot Terrace, erected by the local builder (and eventual Lord Mayor and City Alderman) “Honest John” Pethick in 1860.

On house No.3 (now designated as the Lord Mayor of Plymouth’s official residence and used for Civic functions, also periodically open to the public) you will see a bronze plaque referring to its former occupancy by the Astor family.

In 1899, Waldorf Astor’s father (William Waldorf Astor, then the richest man in America) had elected to become a naturalised British citizen. In 1906, Waldorf Junior married Nancy (one of the three Langhorne sisters of Williamsburg, Virginia). Nancy later became the first woman to take a seat as a member of the British Parliament and was MP for Plymouth Sutton for 25 years up until 1945.

4 The Royal Citadel

This impressive strategic defensive site, on the far end of the Promenade, was originally occupied, in Elizabethan Times, by the Hoe Fort (of which Sir Ferdinando Gorges – the “Founder” of the north-eastern American State of Maine had been one-time Governor). However, the huge star-shaped granite and limestone fortress we see today was built in 1666 (at the Royal behest of King Charles II), to house a substantial Garrison in anticipation of perceived threats of attack by the Dutch from the Netherlands.

5 The Mayflower Steps and Mayflower Museum

From the Citadel, walk towards the waterfront, turning left follow the road until you reach The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. When you reach the edge of the cobbled streets, to your right you will see the historic Mayflower Steps. Although structurally altered over the intervening years, the Steps themselves may be taken as the approximate location from which the “Pilgrim Fathers” embarked upon “The Mayflower” for the final time, in the year 1620.

For more information about the history of the Mayflower sailing and the Pilgrim Fathers stay in Plymouth, see the Mayflower Trail. Discover more about the Pilgrims voyage and their journey aboard the Mayflower to the New World at the Mayflower Museum , located opposite the Mayflower Steps above the Tourist Information Centre. 6 ElizabethanSaltash Passage House and Gardens There are impressive views here of the River Tamar and the two lofty bridges (the twin spanned railway bridge dates from 1859 and was Heading into the Barbican with the Tourist Information Centre on your left, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, whilst the modern suspension road just past this you will see a small cobbled street called ‘New Street’ – formed bridge was opened in 1961). between 1575 and 1600. Walk up this street and a few doors up on the left you will come to No. 32, otherwise known as the “Elizabethan House”. This Plymouth was one of the main embarkation points for US troops taking late 1500s sea captain’s house was rescued from demolition in 1929. It part in the D-Day landings. It was from here on the 2nd and 3rd of June survives in its near original state and is sympathetically furnished. A visit to 1944 40,000 US troops from the Vth and VIIth corps of the US Army the house will take you back to the times of Sir Francis Drake. Opening times embarked on their mission to land on Utah beach and join the liberation of are as posted or advertised. Slightly further up New Street, just through the mainland Europe in the battle for Normandy. The operation for the Battle of passageway next to No. 34 you will also find the Elizabethan Gardens. This Normandy – code-named ‘Operation Overlord’ – was top secret. lovely oasis of calm features low box hedges and, at certain times of the year, beds of colourful flowers and fragrant herbs.

7 Barbican Quay

Spend some time walking the many cobbled streets around The Barbican and Sutton Harbour, taking you right by the water’s edge. Explore the many shops, galleries and eateries as well as the narrow street alleyways, tracing the footsteps of many of our ancestors.

8 The Blackfriars Plymouth Gin Distillery

Back on Southside Street, the main street through The Barbican, on your left you will find Plymouth’s Gin Distillery, dating back to 1431. It is suggested that in 1620 some of the Pilgrim Fathers may have dined here before their departure on the Mayflower.

In 1793, the building was acquired by the Coates family for conversion into a distillery producing – “Plymouth Gin”. It is thus England’s oldest gin distillery and remains in full production today, exporting extensively to the USA and is used in many cocktails including the American “Charlie Lindbergh”. 9 The Merchant’s House 9 The Merchant’s House Museum Museum Once you have finished exploring the historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour Oncetake a you left haveout of finished Southside exploring Street, thecross historic the road Barbican and take and the Sutto smalln Harbour road taketo your a left right out by of the Southside crossroads. 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Standing tall next to the Prysten House is St Andrew’s Minster Church. 11 AlthoughSThe guttedt Andrew’s by Guildhall fire during the 2nd Minster World War and refurbished Church in 1957, 1112the churchS tstill Andrew’s retains some of its pre-War Minster features. Church

StandingAs with Elliott tall next Terrace to the on Prysten Plymouth House Hoe, is the St Guildhall’sAndrew’s Minster surviving Church. exterior TheStanding great tall bell next tower to the(“Yogge’s Prysten Tower”) House and is St many Andrew’s of its Minstermemorials Church. survive Althoughwas built bygutted “Honest by fire John” during Pethick the 2ndin 1874. World But, War what and werefurbished see today in is1957, only intact,Although the gutted bells having by fire been during cast the in 2ndthe 16thWorld century War and to refurbishedcelebrate Sir in Francis1957, thea remnant church ofstill Pethick’s retains someoriginally, of its much pre-War more features. extensive complex of grand Drake’sthe church circumnavigation still retains some of theof its Globe pre-War (including features. his landing in California on 17thMunicipal June buildings1579). The forming Tower the and city’s Central Guildhall East WindowsSquare, all both of whichcommemorate were The17th greatJune bell1579). tower The (“Yogge’s Tower and Tower”) Central and East many Windows of its memorials both commemorate survive LadyThegutted great Astor. by firebell A fewtoweron of21st the(“Yogge’s Marchfragmented 1941 Tower”) during 17th and centurythe many World inscriptionsof itsWar memorials II “Blitz”. upon survive the floor intact,Lady Astor. the bells A few having of the been fragmented cast in the17th 16th century century inscriptions to celebrate upon Sir the Francis floor stonesintact, thesurviving bells having in the south-eastbeen cast in transept the 16th name century merchants to celebrate and othersSir Francis Drake’sstones surviving circumnavigation in the south-east of the Globe transept (including name hismerchants landing andin California others on whoDrake’sThe magnificentlywould circumnavigation have been lofty present former of the in VictorianGlobe Plymouth (including interior at the of histime the landing ofGuildhall the insailing Californiawas ofalso “The on 17thwho wouldJune 1579). have been The Towerpresent and in PlymouthCentral East at theWindows time of both the sailingcommemorate of “The Mayflower”17thdestroyed June at1579). in that 1620. time,The Tower including and whatCentral was East regarded Windows to be both one commemorate of the finest LadyMayflower” Astor. Ain few 1620. of the fragmented 17th century inscriptions upon the floor Ladyconcert Astor. organs A few in ofthe the UK. fragmented The rebuilding 17th wascentury completed inscriptions in 1959 upon and the opened floor stones surviving in the south-east transept name merchants and others stoneson 24th surviving September in the by Fieldsouth-east Marshal transept Viscount name Montgomery merchants of and Alamein. others who would have been present in Plymouth at the time of the sailing of “The whoAffixed would to thehave now been blocked present up inoriginal Plymouth entrance at the portico,time of thealong sailing the north of “The side Mayflower” in 1620. Mayflower”of the building, in 1620.you will find a further bronze plaque commemorating the Astors and Nancy Astor’s election to Parliament. 13 City Centre

The Guildhall is located on the crossroads of Royal Parade and Armada Way, which you looked down from The Hoe at the beginning of the trail. Crossing the road you will find yourself on the Piazza, where many events take place throughout the year.

Plymouth’s once densely developed Georgian and Victorian City Centre was completely destroyed during the World War II bombing and subsequent clearance for rebuilding. The “Abercrombie Plan for Plymouth (1943)” and its present day grid pattern of streets were thus superimposed upon the levelled ruins of the old city during the late 1940s and early 50s. This radical scheme was the Vision (in 1943) of the acclaimed British Town Planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie and the City Engineer Mr. J.Paton Watson.

However, although this extensive element of the city’s built heritage has been lost forever, we can today take advantage of the open plan convenience of what is Devon & Cornwall’s largest pedestrianised shopping centre. So, do please, relax and....“Enjoy!” 14 Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Not far from the City Centre, a short distance up North Hill from Drake’s Circus and facing the Campus of the University of Plymouth, is the City’s excellent Museum & Art Gallery which was erected 1907-10. Originally a partial beneficiary of funding from the philanthropic American “Carnegie Foundation”, the complex is well worth a visit. Its displays and exhibits will supplement your earlier visits en route (subject to opening times) to the city’s Mayflower Museum, Elizabethan House and Merchants House Museums. 12 The Guildhall

As with Elliott Terrace on Plymouth Hoe, the Guildhall’s surviving exterior was built by “Honest John” Pethick in 1874. But, what we see today is only a remnant of Pethick’s originally, much more extensive complex of grand Municipal buildings forming the city’s Guildhall Square, all of which were gutted by fire on 21st March 1941 during the World War II “Blitz”.

The magnificently lofty former Victorian interior of the Guildhall was also destroyed at that time, including what was regarded to be one of the finest concert organs in the UK. The rebuilding was completed in 1959 and opened on 24th September by Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. Affixed to the now blocked up original entrance portico, along the north side of the building, you will find a further bronze plaque commemorating the Astors and Nancy Astor’s election to Parliament. 1213 CityThe GuildhallCentre

TheAs with Guildhall Elliott isTerrace located on on Plymouth the crossroads Hoe, the of Guildhall’s Royal Parade surviving and Armada exterior Way, whichwas built you by looked “Honest down John” from Pethick The Hoe in 1874. at the But,beginning what weof thesee trail. today Crossing is only thea remnant road you of willPethick’s find yourself originally, on muchthe Piazza, more extensivewhere many complex events of take grand place throughoutMunicipal buildings the year. forming the city’s Guildhall Square, all of which were gutted by fire on 21st March 1941 during the World War II “Blitz”. Plymouth’s once densely developed Georgian and Victorian City Centre wasThe magnificentlycompletely destroyed lofty former during Victorian the World interior War ofII thebombing Guildhall and subsequentwas also clearancedestroyed forat thatrebuilding. time, including The “Abercrombie what was regarded Plan for Plymouthto be one (1943)”of the finest and its presentconcert organsday grid in pattern the UK. of The streets rebuilding were thus was superimposed completed in 1959upon andthe levelledopened ruinson 24th of theSeptember old city duringby Field the Marshal late 1940s Viscount and early Montgomery 50s. This of radical Alamein. scheme wasAffixed the toVision the now(in 1943) blocked of theup acclaimedoriginal entrance British Townportico, Planner along the Sir north Patrick side Abercrombieof the building, and you the will City find Engineer a further Mr. bronze J.Paton plaque Watson. commemora ting the Astors and Nancy Astor’s election to Parliament. However, although this extensive element of the city’s built heritage has been lost forever, we can today take advantage of the open plan convenience of what is DevonCity & Cornwall’s Centre largest pedestrianised shopping centre. So, do 13please, relaxCity and....“Enjoy!” Centre

The Guildhall is located on the crossroads of Royal Parade and Armada Way, which you looked down from The Hoe at the beginning of the trail. Crossing 14 the roadPlymouth you will find yourself on Citythe Piazza, Museum where many events take place throughout the year.

Plymouth’sand once densely Art developed Galler Georgiany and Victorian City Centre was completely destroyed during the World War II bombing and subsequent clearanceNot far from for the rebuilding. City Centre, The a“Abercrombie short distance Plan up forNorth Plymouth Hill from (1943)” Drake’s and its presentCircus and day facing grid pattern the Campus of streets of the were University thus superimposed of Plymouth, upon is the the City’s levelled excellentruins of the Museum old city & during Art Gallery the late which 1940s was and erected early 50s.1907-10. This radicalOriginally scheme a partialwas the beneficiary Vision (in 1943) of funding of the from acclaimed the philanthropic British Town American Planner “Carnegie Sir Patrick Foundation”,Abercrombie theand complex the City Engineeris well worth Mr. aJ.Paton visit. Its Watson. displays and exhibits will supplement your earlier visits en route (subject to opening times) to the city’s However, although this extensive element of the city’s built heritage has been MayflowerHowever, although Museum, this Elizabethan extensive elementHouse and of theMerchants city’s built House heritage Museums. has been lost forever, we can today take advantage of the open plan convenience of what is Devon & Cornwall’s largest pedestrianised shopping centre. So, do please, relax and....“Enjoy!” 14 Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Not far from the City Centre, a short distance up North Hill from Drake’s Circus and facing the Campus of the University of Plymouth, is the City’s excellent Museum & Art Gallery which was erected 1907-10. Originally a partial beneficiary of funding from the philanthropic American “Carnegie Foundation”, the complex is well worth a visit. Its displays and exhibits will supplement your earlier visits en route (subject to opening times) to the city’s Mayflower Museum, Elizabethan House and Merchants House Museums.