Plymouth the origin of modern day Plymouth date back to the 12th century. Although there was a settlement recorded three centuries before that tells one Plymouth, was a small Saxon fishing village. After the Norman Conquests William the Conquer, laid claim to the area that is Plymouth as we know it today. The Burgh was awarded to Judhael of Totnes. William also built a castle at Plymton, which he awarded to Richard de Redvers, who William also made the Earl of Devon. William however kept control of the Manor's of Sutton, King's Tameron, and  Maker. But it was in the 12th century that Plymouth as we know it began to emerge. Plymton was overseen by the Prior of Plymton. In 1245, the priors started a farmers market and this act led to Plymouth being awarded a charter and recognition as a town. In 1390, Plymouth also benefited from a strange law that was passed stating that all pilgrims who wished to leave had to depart these shores by way of the port's of Dover, or Plymouth. And as a great many pilgrims faced persecution for their beliefs, many who left for the new world ( America )  chose Plymouth as their port of departure. Thus enriching ship owners and local merchants.

Plymouths strategic geological location soon saw it's emergence as a naval port. And it was from Plymouth that Sir Francis Drake's small fleet sailed to confront and defeat the ''Spanish Armada.''. The Photograph above is of Plymouth Ho where Drake is believed to have been playing bowls, when news came that the Armada had been sighted entering the English channel. It is also widely believed that Drake uttered these immortal words: '' I will finish this game of bowls then go to singe the Spaniards beard's'' Whether one  wishes to believe, or disbelieve this version of our history. What is  indisputable is that Sir Francis Drake did indeed defeat the large, and powerful Spanish fleet in 1588.

Plymouth played a important part in the many war's with the French. And indeed Plymouth was invaded by the French on several occasions. The French one one occasion actually seized several building's in the town. And despite gallant effort's by the local militia to evict them remained over night. However it appeared to have been  only a day excursion. For the following morning they caught the cross-channel ferry back to France. Plymouth has both prospered, and suffered for its military connections. For there is a large Naval dock yard, at Devonport which provides much needed job's for the locals. In the 2nd World War Plymouth however was heavily bombed and the Town center destroyed, the target being of course the Naval dockyard. Although luckily the historical Barbican survived virtually unscathed. And one today can walk through its narrow street and admire the old buildings

My own connections with Plymouth date from the early 1960s, when as a young commando gunner. I was stationed in the historic Citadel, which is to this day, still home to my Regiment 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. Ah what memories just typing these words bring back. Halcyon days of lying sunbathing on the Ho, or watching holiday makers from the ramparts of the Citadel. Saturday night in quiet peaceful  Union Street!!! But hey hold on what about the January days, spent on wet and freezing Dartmoor or the Brecon Beacons. Strange how those memories have gone yet others remain?

What has Plymouth today got for the visitor. Well it is a lively vibrant place. A great shopping center, and new theater. On the Barbican you will find the Mayfair Stepps, this is from where the 'Pilgrim Father's, on the 6th January 1620, set sail in the Mayfair, and Speedwell.  Unfortunately the Speedwell proved to be un-sea-worthy, and was left behind in Dartmouth Devon, leaving the Mayfair to brave the Atlantic alone After 66 days at sea they arrived on the American Continent on the 11th March. They named their settlement New Plymouth, in honor of the old English town from which they departed. The 'Pilgrim Father's'' founded the state of New England. New Englanders, I have met tell me how proud they are that they are descended from the original settlers, and of their historical connections with England. On the Barbican one will find several plaques commemorating this historical event.. Drakes Island,  why not take a boat trip to Drakes Island built in Plymouth Sound in 160'th century. Drakes Island along with the afore mentioned Citadel where fortifications to defend Plymouth from a sea invasion. The Island was originally named St Micheal's Island. In 1549 King Edward V1, and the Mayor of Plymouth agreed to build and maintain a fort on the Island.. In  1583 a petition was raised to make Sir Francis Drake governor of the Island and ever since it has been know as Drake's Island

Drakes Drum: Legend has it when-ever there is a act of great deliverance. Drake's Drum can be heard beating. It is said the drum was heard when the Pilgrim Father's set sail, Both Admiral Nelson, and and the Duke of Wellington, are said to have heard it:. The beat of the drum was heard when Napoleon as a prisoner was brought aboard the Bellerophon to Plymouth: More recently the drum was said to have been heard in 1918, when sailors on board the Admirals flagship who was taken the surrender of the German High Sea's fleet heard a roll of Drake's drum. Also when the " little ships miracle" delivered our beleaguered Army from the hell of Dunkirk, Drake's drum was again said to be heard. So what was Drakes drum. well it was exactly that a drum that accompanied Drake on all of his voyages, and was beat to call English Sailors, and Marines on board Drake's ship to action stations.

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