Plymouth’s history has been strongly defined by its position on a natural harbour on England’s south coast. It was a trading port before the Romans arrived, defended by forts on the shoreline and inland. French raiders attacked the town in the Hundred Years’ War and Plymouth Castle was later built to defend the English fleet in Sutton Pool. Drake famously played bowls on Plymouth Hoe awaiting the opportune moment to attack the Spanish Armada and the then town was later under siege during the English Civil War. Naval docks began to be built at Devonport in the seventeenth century, later protected by the Breakwater, and inland a ring of Palmerston forts were constructed. The port was a major embarkation point for British forces in both the First and Second World Wars, including flying boats from Mount Batten, and was heavily targeted by the Luftwaffe with huge destruction of swathes of the city. Although Plymouth is no longer in the front line of war, Devonport is still a major naval dockyard and although many army barracks were demolished post-war, it is still home to the Royal Marines, Royal Artillery and the Royal Navy at HMS Drake and nearby HMS Raleigh.

Plymouth’s Military Heritage will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about the city’s remarkable military history.

'Plymouth’s military history and heritage is put under the spotlight in a fascinating new book.' * West Country Life Magazine, March 2025 *
'His local credentials and enthusiasm for his subject shine through - he sets out on a journey and takes us with him.' * The Devon Historian, December 2025 *

Ernie Hoblyn has been a member of the Great War Display Team for more than a decade and has flown a wide variety of aeroplanes. He is a local author who has studied the history of the Plym Valley for years and his photographs in his first book show the rise and decline of the industry in the valley.