A district known as the Barbican escaped from some of the heavier bombing inflicted on the city centre. Consequently it still has the cobbled lanes and houses that date back as far as the 16th century Also At the Barbican, are the 'Mayflower Steps' from where the pilgrim settlers departed.
We recommend you visit the Chris Robinsons site For a more detailed and accurate account of the history of plymouth.
Plymouth's roots trace back to over a thousand years ago when the manor was recorded as ‘Sudtone’ (South Farm) in the 1086 Domesday Book. This farmland was developed into a busy little fishing port around Sutton Harbour.
In 1254 Royal Charter granted it town status and in 1439 Plymouth was granted a Charter by the English Parliament. Commerce and Trade flourished in Plymouth where forts were built in anticipation of French and Spanish invasions . A huge Citadel was built in 1666 after the Civil War and the subsequent Restoration of Charles II.
1528 saw William Hawkins establishing Transatlantic trade whilst.his son John helped to organize a Royal Naval 
force.
On the 21st December 1620 the ship, Mayflower, landed on the shores of Cape Cod after nearly 3 months at sea. The place at which they settled was already called Plymouth.
In 1768 James Cook departed Plymouth on the first of 3 voyages to the Pacific and the southern hemisphere including his epic voyages to Australia.
In 1831 Charles Darwin left Plymouth for the Galapagos Islands, where he began to develop what would become his famous Origins of Species.
During the 19th century its population increased rapidly and in 1914 the three towns of Devonport, Plymouth, and Stonehouse were merged into a Borough. City status was granted in 1928.
The Spanish Armada.
Sir Francis Drake although born in nearby Tavistock, is associated with Plymouth from where he embarked on many of his famous voyages. Legend dictates he was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe when the ensuing Spanish Armada first approached Plymouth Sound.
©2007 Chris robinson