Scheduled MonumentsEnglandUnderground passages

Underground passages

England
List entry 1003851
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Underground passages is a complex of medieval stone-lined tunnels located in Exeter, Devon, England. Dating from the fourteenth century onwards, these passages were constructed beneath the city and served various civic and defensive purposes, including water management and potentially strategic access routes during periods of conflict. The passages are cut into the bedrock and feature barrel-vaulted ceilings constructed from dressed stone, representing significant medieval engineering. They remain among the most substantial surviving examples of medieval underground infrastructure in England and provide important archaeological evidence for urban planning and defensive strategies in late medieval Exeter.

Underground passages is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003851. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Underground passages?

Underground passages is a complex of medieval stone-lined tunnels located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003851.

Who is responsible for protecting Underground passages?

Underground passages is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1003851.

What other scheduled monuments are near Underground passages?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Medieval bridge and part of a late medieval conduit under Holloway Street (0.8 km), Little John's Cross (2.5 km), St Loye's Chapel and cross, Rifford Road (2.6 km).

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