File:RAMM Buck - The West Prospect of the City of Exeter.jpg

This City call'd Isca by Ptolomy, by Antonius Isca Danmonorium, by others Augusta, by ye Saxons Exanceaster, from its situation on the Eastern bank of ye River Ex, over which is a fair stone bridge, is a large well compacted Place for Trade. Within its Walls & Suburbs are many Parish Churches besides the Cathedral. In the time of ye Saxons, 'twas govern'd by 4 Port Reeves, but now by a Mayor, 4 Bailiffs and 23 brethren, and sends two Citizens to Parliament, who are S^r Hen. Northcott Bar^t and Thomas Batt Esq. K. John incorporated this City. K. Hen. III granted it to his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwall & his heirs. Edw^d I A. D. 1274 granted to Exeter ye Chippin gavel or a Tribute for all Wares brought hither to Sale ; towards paving the street repairing of the Walls & maintenance of ye same. In ye Wars between the Houses of York & Lancaster 'twas besieged by Hugh Courtenay Earl of Devonshire, and in ye reign of K. Hen. VII by the Counterfeit Peter Duke of York, call'd Perken Warbeck, who met with a warm repulse from the Citizens, for which service, the King bestow'd on them the sword he then wore, to be carried before the Mayor, and a Cap of Maintenance. It was again besieg'd by the reign of Edw^d VI by the Rebells of Cornwall, but the Inhabitants, tho' in extreme want of provisions, held out, till John Lord Ruſsell rais'd ye siege, for which loyal & brave conduct the King gave them ye manor of Ex Island. In K. Charles I Wars they withstood ye power of ye Parliament forces; & those unhappy times Henrietta Maria the Kings youngest Daughter was born here. The Cathedral now standing where was once a Convent of Monks founded by K. Athelstan, but removed by Edw^d the Confeſsor to Westminster, owes its fine structure to several, viz. Robert Warlewast made Bishop A. D. 1150 built ye choir, Peter Quivil prefer'd to this See. A. D. 1280 the body of ye Church, John Grandison consecrated A. D. 1327 built ye two last arches and ye West end from ye Font, cover'd ye whole Roof & finish'd ye Fabrick which was begun by K. Athelstan A. D. 932. Edm. Lacy who came to this See A. D. 1420 begun the Chapter House, which George Nevil his succeſsor finish'd, and Peter Courtenay who was translated from this See to that of Winchester finish'd the North Tower A. D. 1485. – Sam^l & Nath^l Buck delin, et sculpt according to Act of Parliament 1736.