Topsham, Devon line to Exmouth. In 2011 was the 150th anniversary of the railway coming to Topsham, on what is now called the Exeter–Exmouth Avocet Line. 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. St Margaret's Anglican Church in Topsham, dates back to the 10th century. Although reconstructed several times, it remains in
Isca sullo Ionio view of the sea. The high open view of the sea offered protection for the people, giving them time to prepare for a possible attack. The mountains that surround Isca on three sides, also made it difficult for outsiders to enter Isca from anywhere except from the shoreline. With a warm summer climate, the area is known for growing lemons, oranges, figs, chestnuts, grapes and beans. In the immediate days following the earthquake of 1947, talks began and planning of a new community or extension to Isca, that should be built on safer flat ground, near the beach. The name