The infamous male nudist spot on the Hoe – where women were banned
It was no longer maintained after protests from women seeking equality
The Hoe is full of surprises. There are always nooks and crannies to discover.
On a hot, sunny day, it’s the perfect place to go for a sunbathe and a dip in the sea.
Centuries ago the headland – known as The Hoe – was used by Plymouth residents for walks, picnics and sunbathing and in 1588 it is famously claimed Sir Francis Drake played a game of bowls there while awaiting the arrival of the Spanish Armada.
As the years went by, more ‘formal’ walks and pretty gardens were created on the waterfront and the area was generally spruced up, though still heavily dominated by military personell.
By 1859 features included the camera obscura, a navigation obelisk and a bathing house on the foreshore, Historic England says.
“In 1860 the practise of grazing The Hoe with sheep was discontinued, and the area became known as Hoe Park,” Historic England writes.
A drinking fountain followed, as well as a pier, Smeaton’s Tower, public monuments, a bandstand and the Belvedere – many of which are still there today. You can find out about how a lighthouse ended up on the Hoe here.
Continued…Read full original article…
Source: Plymouth Herald
Original publication 1 SEP 2019
Posted on NatCorn 14th September 2019
Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.
