Listed buildings

Plymouth possesses a wealth of historic buildings and structures ranging from great houses and churches to humble cottages but the city is especially known for buildings constructed from the local limestone which give it a distinctive character.

Plymouth contains many fine historic buildings that survived the war, dating from the 15th century onwards such as the Prysten House, the Merchants House and the Elizabethan House, although even earlier buildings can be found behind the facades of properties in areas such as Plympton St Maurice. There are many fine Georgian terraces, such as Durnford Street, and a number of buildings attributed to John Foulston and his pupil George Wightwick such as The Esplanade and the group in Ker Street, Devonport.

There are a number of churches and chapels, but all are dominated by St Andrew’s in the city centre dating from 1460. This is still the largest parish church in Devon, and although gutted during the Blitz, it is still listed as Grade I. Charles Church is now a ruin dedicated to the memory of those who died in Plymouth during WWII. However it is also listed Grade I as it is one of the very few churches built during the Commonwealth.

As a city, Plymouth has very few large country houses, but it does possess some of national importance such as Saltram House, now run by the National Trust. Many of the city’s most important buildings are associated with the Dockyard, such as the Royal William Yard and Naval Hospitals and are listed as Grade II* or Grade I reflecting their significance.

There are over 750 listed buildings in Plymouth. Copies of the list are held by the Planning Delivery Team, and are also available at the Local Studies Library. The register can now also be searched online at English Heritage’s Listed Buildings Online website.

Currently the entire system of protecting historic buildings and archaeological sites is being reviewed, and it is expected that changes to the system will be announced shortly.