Exeter, the metropolis of the west, was known as a city even when the Romans came to Britain. There are no important Roman buildings left now, but coins and pottery testify to the Roman occupation. The first actual historic records date from the reign of King Alfred, whose grandson, Athelstane, made Exeter into a strong city, fortifying it with walls. Exeter made a stubborn resistance to William the Conqueror, but when besieged by him was forced to yield. The city suffered siege on two other notable occasions. In the reign of Henry VII., Perkin Warbeck, the pretender, made an attack on the castle, but was defeated. In 1646 the city was blockaded by the Parliamentary forces under Fairfax and compelled to surrender. In the centre of the city is the cathedral, which was commenced in A.D. 1107 by Bishop Warelwast, who built the massive Norman towers. Bishop Quivil, who died in 1292, completely remodelled the cathedral, changing the somewhat heavy Norman structure into the present graceful Gothic one. The successor of Bishop Quivil carried out the plans he left behind him, and the cathedral was finished in 1350, although some minor work remained to be done. Unlike so many of the early cathedrals, Exeter has no central tower, therefore its interior is famous for having the most uninterrupted vista of any cathedral in England, having no tower-piers to hinder the view. One of the most beautiful features is the carved west front. Standing on the highest ground in Exeter, though not now conspicuous, are the ruined walls of the Norman castle, called Rougemont (Red Mount), which obtained its name from the red clay found there. The High Street contains many old and picturesque buildings, the most important of which is the Guildhall, built in the fifteenth century, but altered during the late Renaissance period. Many of the parish churches of Exeter are worthy of note. [Illustration: _Photochrom Co., Ltd._ THE WEST FRONT OF EXETER CATHEDRAL. Exeter has no central tower, but is unique in having one over each transept.] MARKET DRAYTON, SALOP AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROBERT CLIVE =How to get there.=--Train from Paddington. Great Western Rly. =Nearest Station.=--Market Drayton. =Distance from London.=--178 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 4-1/4 to 5-3/4 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 24s. 2d. 15s. 5d. 13s. 2d. Return 46s. 0d. 29s. 0d. 26s. 4d. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"The Corbet Arms," etc. =Alternative Route.=--None.