Dark Age Town [400 - 900]
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Following the virtual abandonment of the Roman town in the early 5th century, most of the area within the walls seems to have returned to agricultural use. However, at the centre of the walled area a burial ground, probably Christian in character, came into use during the 5th century in the area now covered by the grass of the western side of Cathedral Close.
In this same area a minster (monastery) was established by the late 7th century; here Boniface was educated around AD 680. It became a cathedral in 1050, when Bishop Leofric moved his seat here from rural Crediton. The site of the minster, surrounded by its ancient burial ground, was excavated in the early 1970s to the west of the present cathedral. When the new Norman cathedral was built after 1114 the old minster became the parish church of St Mary Major.
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In the centre of Exeter, which was now apparently deserted, a burial ground came into use during the 5th century. It was probably a Christian cemetery. This area is now covered by the grass of the western side of Cathedral Close. In this same area a minster (monastery) was established by the late 7th century; here Boniface was educated around AD 680.
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There is no evidence yet of urban life in this period. Exeter seemed to have reverted to farmland.
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The circuit of defences built by the Romans stood for centuries after they left. It remained an impressive defensive feature in the post-Roman period.
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In the centre of Exeter, now apparently deserted, a burial ground came into use during the 5th century. It was probably a Christian cemetery. This area is now covered by the grass of the western side of Cathedral Close. In this same area a minster (monastery) was established by the late 7th century; here Boniface was educated around AD 680.
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No evidence has been discovered yet in Exeter relating to crafts and industry in prehistory. After the collapse of the Roman town the local people probably went back to more traditional ways of living, with their houses and everyday items made from materials like wood and leather, which have not survived until today.
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There is no archaeological evidence of houses or everyday life in this period. Most people seem to have abandoned the town, and the area may have been used as farmland.
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No evidence has been discovered yet in Exeter relating to medicine and health in the Dark Age town.
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Following the collapse of the Roman town, regional and foreign trade also collapsed.
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No evidence has been discovered yet in Exeter relating to dress and display in the Dark Ages.
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