SeatonBay.com
Title
Seaton, Devon, Gateway to the Jurassic Coast
Description
Seaton History
T he area around Seaton has been settled for more than 6,000 years with archaeological excavations revealing Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age remains.
The natural harbour of the River Axe estuary was at that time a much wider and deeper inlet and was one of the most important trading harbours in the South West protected by the Iron Age hill forts of Hawkesdown and Musbury. Prehistoric roads led to the harbour and the Fosse Way ended at Axmouth one mile up river. Besides the sea trade, the practice of harvesting salt in the River Axe tidal estuary began in the Iron Age and lasted for many centuries.
The Roman occupation of Devon established two main settlements at Dorchester and Exeter. Seaton, midway between these two Roman towns became a Roman ‘station’ and Axmouth Harbour became a major port for the area. The remains of Roman villas which date from the 1st to 4th centuries have been excavated in Seaton and artefacts from these excavations can be seen in Seaton Museum.
Languages
English
