10 interesting things about Plymouth Harbour
1. Back in 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth docks, headed for the New World. Those aboard the ship went on to establish the second English colony in what later became the United States of America.
2. The Smeaton Tower was a Breakthrough in Lighthouse Design
3. The Plymouth Gin Distillery is Oldest in England. Formally home to a monastery, the Plymouth Gin Distillery opened in 1793.
4. Britain’s Porcelain Industry Began in Plymouth. Local pharmacist, William Cookworthy, became the first person in Britain to work out how to make hard porcelain having found china clay in Cornwall.
5. The New Palace Theatre Hosted World-Famous Acts. Over the years it saw acts such as Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin, perform on stage
6. Plymouth was an important strategic city during both world wars. The port was an entry point for troops from across the Empire during WW1. And in the Second World War, Devonport naval base was the headquarters of Western Approaches Command until 1941
7. Home to the Oldest Ashkenazi Synagogue in the English-Speaking World. A Grade II listed building, the Plymouth Synagogue was built in 1762
8. The Day Pelé Came to Plymouth! In 1973 the city’s local football team, Plymouth Argyle, hosted a friendly match against Brazilian side Santos FC. Plymouth won the game!
9. Sir Francis Drake Was Born in Plymouth. The famous sea-farer captained many notable voyages. From 1577 to 1580, he led the second circumnavigation of the world.
10. Plymouth University was originally the Plymouth School of Navigation, which opened in 1862. In 2012 staff, students and local residents celebrated the institutions 150th anniversary.
