Adrodd fel Amhriodol
Testun Gwreiddiol (Anodiad: EPW024104 / 927049)
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In 1773, the construction of Bedford Circus was started by Robert Stribling when the first 14 houses, creating a crescent, were built. Constructing the whole circus was a long process and, not to be fully completed until 1825. There was a small, elliptical, iron fenced green inside the access road around the front of the houses. A statue of Lord Courtenay, a member of an old Devon family and MP was placed on the green in the 19th century and can be seen in the 1928 Aerofilms photo above.
In the 20th century, many of the houses became offices for insurance, banking and other businesses. On 4th May 1942, the bombing of Exeter resulted in many destroyed buildings, including Bedford Circus which was mostly burnt out. An argument has raged ever since about whether the circus could have been saved rather than demolished.
With thanks and acknowledgement to exetermemories.co.uk
The coloured photo shows Bedford Circus from the High Street entrance.
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