Around the city - thoughts on Exeter’s Past 16

Topsham by Rev’d Paul Collings 

Romans 12: 9 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.

The native Celtic settlement of Topsham became the port of the Roman city of  Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter) in the first century AD, and continued to serve it until the Roman occupation of southern Britain ceased about the year 400. In the 7th century the Saxon rule in East Devon saw the settlement grow into a considerable village.

Many the ship that left this port

Failed to arrive as storms abort

Their passage cross the dangerous seas

Gave rise to  grieving loss, dis-ease.

Off, full of hope with mainsail set 

Each vessel ventured, orders met

To carry cargo ‘cross the seas

And trade their wares then homeward breeze.

But dangerous waters round the Horn

Turned trading days to ones that mourn,

Each member of the crew on board

Who gave their lives without reward.

Whilst trading ships have long since ceased

From Topsham’s quayside journey’s east,

Yet there are those who risk today

That we might live a certain way.

Lord, never may my wants demand

That others risk their lives or stand

In danger’s way, my whims to fit

But in humility lives uplift.

Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day. - John Wooden