Exmouth is in England's East Devon and is a civil parish, seaside resort and port town located on the River Exe's east bank. In 1970, Byzantine coins that date to somewhere between the years of 498 to 518 were found on its beaches. Although the most recent signs of occupation by people has been traced to the 11th Century when the area was called Lydwicnaesse or the point of Bretons. An area known as Pratteshuth, Pratt's landing place, was sold to Exeter's mayor and citizens in 1240 AD.
This is were the site is for the ferry dock for the estuary that is marked today by a seating area that is next to the Magnolia Shopping Center. The shallow water on the quay's approach was limited for centuries from commercial trade but was mostly limited by the power that Exeter had over the dock because they owned and controlled its traffic. The exposed position of the estuary was harsh and kept people away. Instead they settled in the outlying areas where living was more comfortable.
The town itself did not begin to be developed until the 13th Century. Then, it was owned by Morin Uppehille and he gave a portions to John the Miller who built a windmill to earn a living off of the prevailing southwest winds. The early stages of the town grew from this windmill, the ferry dock and a few small farm buildings that were located close by. In the 17th Century the area was ravaged by Turkish pirates and Algerian rovers who conducted many raids on the coastlines of Cornwall and Devon.
They attacked ships plus tried to capture villager and ships to be sold in North Africa as slaves. It was in the 18th Century that the town really began to flourish. Exmouth is known as the oldest seaside resort in Devon because people were not able to visit Europe because of their disagreements with France but they were able to visit Exmouth. The town became renowned as an area for the rich to rest and recover from health problems. This included Lady Byron (Ada Lovelace) and also the estranged wife of Lord Nelson, Lady Nelson. Lady Nelson is buried in the towns Littlham Churchyard.
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