Location: 

Plymouth

Operator

Absolutours, Viv Robinson Blue Badge Guide, MITG

Julia Morris MITG- A Taste of England Tours

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The city and people of Plymouth and Devonport suffered devastating aerial bombing in WW2. The royal dockyards at HMNB Devonport were a prime military target for the Luftwaffe; especially after the fall of France in summer 1940 enabled German aircraft to extend their reach over western Britain and the Atlantic approaches.

The proximity of the dockyards to the civilian centres meant Plymouth became the most heavily bombed city in the country, after London. 1174 people were killed, 4448 injured and 30,000 left homeless. Added to this many evacuees from London and other major cities came, in 1939, seeking sanctuary only to find themselves in as much jeopardy far from home. Imagine the scene, each night through the Blitz, when up to 50,000 people fled Plymouth for the countryside by whatever means available to shelter in barns, churches and even outdoors.

Yet the spirit of Plymouth’s people is best summed up by the word Resurgam (I shall rise again) painted over the west door of the bombed shell of St Andrew’s Church. As early as July 1941 ideas for a ‘bold and comprehensive’ rebuilding of Plymouth were being sought by Lord Astor (the Mayor) and Lady Astor (the MP). What resulted was the most complete planned city of postwar Britain. A grand vision designed around wide central thoroughfares and bold, functional architecture with modern neighbourhoods for the war weary population. Today many of these modern buildings are listed for their architectural value and have become an intrinsic part of the city’s identity. In amongst them the surviving older buildings tell of an older way of life and huge endeavour in the face of great adversity.

The walking tour meets outside The Box, Plymouth’s new museum, and heads into the centre of the modern city tracing lines of pre-war streets and buildings to compare them with the post-war design. We look at some of the most respected postwar buildings to understand their innovative designs and visit two churches: one a memorial to the Blitz; the other a testament to the will to rebuild.    The commanding view from the Hoe is key to understanding the importance of the port of Plymouth and the neighbouring naval dockyard giving a real sense of why Plymouth is known as the Ocean City.

This tour is suitable for any age and level of interest.  Families are welcome as this tour may be particularly enjoyed by children who have studied WW2 at school.

The Highlights:  

• A 2hour guided walk led by a Blue Badge Guide
• Inspiring walk discovering Plymouth’s story of destruction, calamity, struggle and rebirth to become a modern city of note.
• Use of personal radio receiver connected to Tour Guide wireless audio transmission system for improved audibility and social distancing on walk.
• Option to investigate locations associated with family members in Plymouth; given adequate notice and information.
• Accompanied by Blue Badge Guide with Covid safe measures in place

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Price

 From £15 - based on group of 15 including commissions.

Group Size

Min. 2 Max 20.

Contact

Viv Robinson Blue Badge Guide, MITG

www.absolutours.co.uk
+44 (0) 7775 774083
bluebadge@absolutours.co.uk

Julia Morris MITG- A Taste of England Tours

www.atasteofenglandtours.com     
07817 364981   
julia@atasteofenglandtours.com