Bedford Circus, c.1930, Exeter

The origins of "Bedford Circus" date from around 1773, when a crescent of fourteen townhouses was built by an ambitious architect, Robert Stribling. As the buildings were constructed on the site of the former Bedford House, a remnant of a 13th century Dominican friary, several interesting finds were discovered during the course of laying the foundations, including lead coffins, human skulls, and bones. The first crescent was completed by the end of the 18th century.

By 1825, plans were renewed to build "new houses on the Bedford state in this city in order to complete the circus as originally intended" (Exeter Flying Post, 19 May 1825). Nine corresponding townhouses were constructed, an extra chapel was created. Each edifice was constructed out of local earthy-red brick, with a white stone string course. 

On 4th May 1942, during the "Baedeker" or "Exeter Blitz," several buildings in the circus were damaged by fire from Luftwaffe bombs. A decision was taken to demolish the remainder of Bedford Circus.

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