Seaton lies close to the Devon Dorset border is a pretty small town which prefers to think of its-self as a large village. The area has been inhabited for over 6,000 years for archaeologist have unearthed remains revealing that pre-history humans from the  Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age, were dwelling in the area. And given that Seaton is situated  on an natural harbour at the mouth of the River Axe which was at the time a very large and deep, natural outlet to the sea. It is easy to see why primitive humans choose to settle here. In the Iron Age hill forts were built at Hawkesdown, and Musbury. Old prehistoric roads led down to the harbour, and the Fosse Way took them to Axminster 1 mile inland. Besides what bounty that sea provided, there is evidence the Iron Age people harvested a very important commodity at Seaton that commodity was salt. In circa 410 the Romans arrived, they only had control initially of the South East of England. In 43 AD It was decided that all of England should come under Roman rule and the task was to fall to Aulus  Plautus to bring the whole country under Roman rule and to make them into respectable Roman citizens. However in trying to subjcate the Celts of the South West they were not so successful, for the tribes of the South West had a strong,  suitable leader who united the diverse warlike tribes into an cohesive fighting force. That leader was Caratacus who we have spoken about in-depth elsewhere on this web site. With powerful Druid support, he had prevented any tribal defections to Rome. At the time Devon and Cornwall was occupied by the Dumnonii and they probably had a treaty with the Romans that did not quite go as far as the client relationship.This was to alter. For with the emergence of  Caratacus and his brother Togodumnus, chiefs of the powerful Catuvellaunian's, they tore up the treaty and joined Caratacus. It was to be the Catuvellaunian's who led the initial defense of the country against Aulus Plautius's four legions thought to have been around 40,000 men, Caratacus was determined not to fight a pitched battle, and primarily used guerrilla tactics, these hit and run tactics were successful for 9 long years. Caratacus emboldend no-doubt by his success abandoned these tacticts. For in 51, Caratacus met Scapula and his legions in a set-pice battle somewhere in Ordovician territory. The well trained and equipped Roman legions  defeated Caratacus,  capturing Caratacus's wife and daughter, and receiving the surrender of his brothers. Caratacus evaded capture but was eventually caught and transported to Rome in chains. With Caratacus gone the Romans were able to subjicate the Tribes to be loyal to Rome. The two main Roman towns in the West Country were Dorchester Dorset, and the capital city of Devon Exeter and Seaton midway between these important town's became, a staging point for the legions.

Seaton was a very important center of ship building and trade, however in the 14th, century a serious landslide severely blocked the estuary this event caused the tidal patten and the currents change with the result a shingle bank started to form, thus restricting navigation. The port at Axemister carried on until the 18th century, when with the coming of the railway it became more economical to transport goods by train. Then in 1877, a toll bridge was constructed across the river which in effect close the river to larger ships. The railway had the same effect on Seaton as it did in all the Devon towns of opening up the area to the growing industry of tourism. The result for Seaton  of the influx of tourist's was the growth of the town into a thriving busy seaside resort. Guest Houses with ‘hot and cold’ running water, Hotels including one ‘giant’ Hotel, a theater, smart shops and new beach front houses were all built and inside  40 years after the coming of the railway to Seaton the town was well established as a popular seaside resort. The town today despite its illustrious history is more modern than most Devon towns 

In the year 2005 Seaton celebrated the granting of a Saxon Charter that was given to the town in 1005 AD yes a thousand years ago. This charter was given to the Saxon town of Fleote; it was in 1126 AD however that the towns name became Seaton the name we know it by today. The town has much to offer the holiday maker the beach consists of a gentle slope in to shallow water thus making it safe for families with small children. The Esplanade stretches over 1000, yards and is ideal for taking an pre lunch stroll. There is however a storm gate built in to the Esplanade but this should not bother the holiday maker as it is open mostly in the winter when savage storm's ravage the coast. The town center has shop's of all sorts to satisfy the most ardent shoppers, and many fine restaurants, café's and local pubs offering a wide choice of dining. Yes all in all Seaton is a fine place to holiday in

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