Exeter's underground passages
.jpg "In the 15th century, the city's pipe emerged form the outer bridge abutment at East Gate through the block shown here. It then crossed over the city bridge via a 'pipe bridge'. When the passage was later deepened, the block was discarded and re-used in the passage's walling")
About the underground passages
Dating from the 14th century, the medieval passages under Exeter High Street were built to house pipes that brought fresh water to the city. To accommmodate plumbers carrying out repair work on the pipes, which sometimes sprang leaks, the passages were vaulted and it is these passageways that can be visited today.
Professor Mark Stoyle of the University of Southampton guides BBC History Magazine's Dave Musgrove through the passageways on our podcast. To listen to their journey, visit www.historyextra.com/podcast-page
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