Explore Our Heritage & History

Teignmouth History

A fishing port to the gem of south Devon

Welcome to our history page. At first glance, you might assume Teignmouth has little history to speak of and is just another pretty seaside town. You’d be mistaken.

Teignmouth has several key historical figures such as Charles Babbage, who lived in Teignmouth with his family, who is known as the Father of the Computer, John Keats, the famous Romantic Poet and Muse, the rock band who grew up in the town.

Furthermore, it claims the title as the being the town that was last successfully attacked by a foreign power in England (more on that later), the home to arguably the most beautiful rail line in the UK, thanks to Brunel and known for being badly bombed during the Blitz of the Second World War.

There are so many areas to cover, however for more in depth information visit the Teign Heritage Centre. Below is a timeline of a few key events that you will likely find of interest and that also shaped the town’s history permanently.

Teignmouth's Historical Timeline

Friday, October 3, 2025

Prehistoric Teignmouth

There is archaeological evidence to suggest that this area was inhabited back in the stone age. River Teign’s sheltered estuary would’ve provided a suitable location for early human settlements.

30,000 BC – AD 43

AD 43 – AD 1066

Friday, October 3, 2025

Roman and Saxon Eras

Pottery and other artefacts are evidence of Roman occupation. It’s likely that Teignmouth was used as a small port and trading post within the Roman Empire. Teignmouth became part of the Kingdom of Wessex with the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in the 7th century.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Medieval Teignmouth

By the middle ages our town was an established port. It was granted a charter in the 13th century, meaning it could hold markets and fairs.

AD 1066 – AD 1540

July 1690

Friday, October 3, 2025

The 1690 Raid

n July 1690, a French fleet defeated an English and Dutch fleet at the Battle of Beachy Head. Later that month, French forces landed at Teignmouth, and burned and looted parts of the town. It’s often described as the last time a foreign force landed and attacked in England, and the damage to the town was long-lasting.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Victorian Era & The Railway

This era transformed Teignmouth into a stylish seaside resort. Since the construction of the railway in 1846, tourists from major cities were able to visit and along with it, grand hotels and promenades grew along the seafront.

1837 – 1901

1939 – 1945

Friday, October 3, 2025

Second World War

Teignmouth played an important role in Great Britain’s defence. Not only did it provide a training ground for US troops preparing for the D-Day landing, it was heavily fortified. Unfortunately the town was bombed severely by the Luftwaffe.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Modern Teignmouth

Our town still maintains that seaside resort spirit brought about during the Victorian era, with a pier, a beautiful promenade and many local businesses and preserved historical buildings.