Plymouth

Plymouth, city, south-western England, on Plymouth Sound and the Plym and Tamar rivers. Although geographically still part of Devon, Plymouth is now a unitary authority in its own right (see Plymouth (borough)). Plymouth possesses a fine natural harbour and is the site of the Royal Naval Dockyard, a major employer in the city. It is also an important fishing port and handles passenger traffic to the Continent. Manufactured goods include machine tools and chemicals. The city has an aquarium, several museums, the Theatre Royal, and the University of Plymouth (1992).

Originally named Sutton, the town received a charter and its present name in 1439. During the 16th century it became a base for the expeditions of Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, and many others. In 1588 the English fleet sailed from Plymouth to meet the Spanish Armada, and in 1620 the Pilgrims embarked from here aboard the Mayflower. During World War II the city was bombarded by the Germans; it has since been extensively rebuilt. Population 241,000 (2001 estimate).