|
|
 |
 |
Wandering around the Barbican fills you with a sense of history. With its cobbled streets, cosmopolitan atmosphere, small art galleries and monuments to the past, the Barbican looks much the same now as it always has. |
|
|
| An Introduction to the Barbican. |
|
|
You can stand on the steps from which the Pilgrim Fathers set off in 1620; and you can gaze out on a view that Francis Drake would have enjoyed in the sixteenth century.
You can sample pastries from Jacka's Bakery which, established in 1597, could have been patronised by any of Plymouth 's famous historic figures. You can even enjoy a Pink Gin cocktail, invented for the Royal Navy's sailors as a vitamin-packed drink! |
|
|
|
|
The Mayflower Steps. |
|
|
Marked by a plaque, the Mayflower Steps are where the Pilgrims stood in 1620, eagerly waiting to board the ship that would take them to America .
The Steps have witnessed many more grand events since that day - you'll see plaques commemorating significant landings and departures like the 1919 arrival of a sea-plane in Plymouth Sound after its successful Transatlantic flight, and the departure of the 'Tory', a ship carrying pioneers to New Zealand in 1839.
|
|
|
|
|
The Glassworks. |
|
|
You can watch glass being made the traditional way at Plymouth Glassworks, run by Dartington Crystal and set in a converted fish market on the harbour. The shop also sells a huge range of crystal and glassware: perfect souvenirs of your trip.
|
|
|
|
Plymouth Gin Distillery. |
|
|
Black Friars Distillery is the oldest in the world - it has been producing gin in the heart of the Barbican since 1793.
Plymouth Gin formed the basis of many cocktails, including the Dry Martini. It is said that Pink Gin, a cocktail featuring angostura bitters, was invented to encourage the sailors to up their vitamin intake. You can sample one at the Black Friars Distillery, and take home some of the famous Plymouth Gin to recreate the taste.
Tours of the Distillery are available through the summer months. Gin-lovers can view original equipment and find out how the drink is traditionally made.
|
|
|
|
|
The Elizabethan House & Gardens (New Street). |
|
|
The Elizabethan House is a Tudor building, formerly a sea captain's home, kept by Plymouth Council as a monument to the people who occupied the Barbican thousands of years ago.
The House was rescued from demolition in the 1920s. It has been beautifully restored, and filled with period furniture. Don't miss its delightful flower and herb garden, just up the road.
|
|
|
|
|
The Merchant House. |
|
|
Also kept by Plymouth Council is the Merchant House on St Andrews Street : a charmingly restored home offering a glimpse into 16 th century life. It features wonderfully evocative displays, including a Victorian school room and a complete chemist's counter!
|
|
|
|
|
The Barbican Theatre. |
|
|
Since 1980 the Barbican Theatre has offered its unique blend of new comedy, music and drama, promoting the use of drama as therapy and recreation. Set in a restored building in the heart of the Barbican, it has been impressively refurbished thanks to Arts Council and Lottery grants.
Today it hosts musical discoveries, the West's best comedy, and plenty of kids' drama. View listings at http://www.barbicantheatre.co.UK .
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Citadel. |
|
|
The Royal Citadel rises dramatically from the Hoe's coastline. This 17 th -century fortress was built to defend the city from the Dutch, incorporating a previous fort. It has been well maintained over the centuries, and was equipped with guns in 1753.
You may notice that the large guns point towards the city as well as the ocean - it is thought that Charles II felt them necessary to keep the townsfolk in order, as they had previously demonstrated support for Parliament against Charles's father! Owned by English Heritage, the Royal Citadel is open May-September.
|
|
|
|
|
The Barbican Theatre. |
|
|
Since 1980 the Barbican Theatre has offered its unique blend of new comedy, music and drama, promoting the use of drama as therapy and recreation. Set in a restored building in the heart of the Barbican, it has been impressively refurbished thanks to Arts Council and Lottery grants.
Today it hosts musical discoveries, the West's best comedy, and plenty of kids' drama. View listings at http://www.barbicantheatre.co.UK .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home Page
Accomm. Search
Add your Business
