Southway 4.12

Southway is a large suburban housing estate in north-west Plymouth in the English county of Devon. The name is believed to have derived from the route into Plymouth often used by Buckland Abbey monks, which was known as the "South Way".GeographyThe neighbourhood is spread across an often steep topography, which provides good views to the open areas of woodland to the north and south. Southway lies to the north of the Southway Valley Local Nature Reserve, an area of woodland and grassland with extensive footpaths accessible from the housing estate.HistoryPart of the city's extensive post-war housing programme, the land upon which Southway is built was previously occupied by three farms, Southway, Langley and Birdcage, as well as parts of four other farms, Clittaford, Heathfield, Hendwell and Wyvell (now Widewell). Some of these are commemorated in street names, and much of the original woodland and greenery remains in large pockets around the estate.Timeline 1943 - the decision was made to build the estate, as extensive plans for the rebuilding of the blitzed city and its decimated housing stock were being made. 1954 - Building work begins in September. 1955 - The first residents take up occupancy. 1958 - Southway Primary School opens. 1962 - The secondary school opens, followed by the estate's two other primary schools (Langley and Tamerton Vale) in the late 1960s. 1968 - The second phase of construction is mostly completed. The 1960s phase also saw a large shopping centre added to the estate, complete with banks and a Public library, as well as two pubs The Falstaff, The Merry Monk (The Abbots Way (The Old Southway)) and The Clittaford Club a Private members club. There are also Anglican and Roman Catholic churches and a community centre.