Plymouth << PLIHM uhth >> is a historic seaport on the southwest coast of England. It is the chief city in the unitary authority (local government area) of Plymouth, which has a population of 264,695. The city lies on Plymouth Sound, an inlet of the English Channel and one of the world’s finest natural harbors.
The site of a naval dockyard, Plymouth was the target of German bombing raids during World War II (1939-1945). Much of the center of the city was destroyed by the raids. The center has since been rebuilt in a modern style. Parts of Plymouth escaped serious damage and have buildings that are hundreds of years old. The city’s chief industries include engineering and the manufacture of clothing and electronic goods.
In the late 1500’s, Sir Francis Drake and other English explorers set sail from Plymouth. The Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims to North America in 1620, also sailed from Plymouth.
