Situated in England's scenic South West, with borders on both the English and Bristol Channels, Devon is one of the country's most beloved counties, as evidenced by its popularity among domestic tourists. However, Devon's duel coastlines, national parks and red sandstone cliffs aren't the only alluring features that the county has to offer. Devon's fascinating history is also a reason worthy of visiting the region, as it explains a lot about the county as it is today.
Perhaps most telling in regard to the history of Devon is the name of the county itself. Around 50 AD, the area was inhabited by a population of Celtic people who were known as the 'Dumnonii,' which, when translated from the ancient Celtic language, probably means 'deep valley dwellers.' Evidence of these Celtic roots remains in modern-day Devon, with many of its town names being of Celtic origin and its religious traditions drawn out of the 'Celtic Christianity' of the Middle Ages.
Though the Dumnonii represent a significant point in Devon's history, it is likely that the region was inhabited long before the Celtic population eventually settled there. In fact, Devon is thought to be one of the first places inhabited by man in all of Great Britain. After the last Ice Age, the caves of modern-day Torbay and the area around modern-day Dartmoor are thought to have housed early hunter-gatherer communities in around 6000 BC.
In addition to its ancient history, Devon is also known as the former home of many famous historic figures, particularly its sailors. These famous Devonians include Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, each of whom contributed a great deal to England's reputation as prosperous empire. The infamous pirate Henry Every, who is known for terrorizing sea captains across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, also came from Devon - proving that Devon's maritime history isn't just filled with esteemed explorers.
One of the best ways to understand Devon is to study its primary industries, past and present. The county is known for its mining industry, and the region has produced metals such as tin and copper since ancient times. Nowadays, mining remains on the list of Devon's most notable industries, although it is also home to significant agriculture and fishing industries as well. More recently, the tourism industry in Devon has proven to be a major contributor to the county's overall economy, attracting over a billion pounds in revenue each year.
To learn more about Devon and its rich history, you can visit the county's many museums, talk to families who have lived in Devon for generations, consult old newspapers from the region, and read the biographies of the many famous individuals who've called Devon home.
Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
