Plymouth, city and unitary authority, southwestern England, on Plymouth Sound and the Plym and Tamar rivers. Plymouth possesses a fine natural harbor and is the site of the Royal Naval Dockyard, a major employer in the city. It is also an important fishing port and handles passenger traffic to the Continent. Manufactures include machine tools and chemicals. The city has an aquarium, a zoo, several museums, and the University of Plymouth (1992, formerly a polytechnic college). Originally named Sutton, the town received a charter and its present name in 1439. During the 16th century it became a base for the expeditions of, among others, navigator Sir Francis Drake. In 1588 the English fleet sailed from Plymouth Harbor to meet the Spanish Armada, and in 1620 the Pilgrims embarked from Plymouth aboard the Mayflower. During World War II (1939-1945) the city was bombarded by the Germans; it has since been extensively rebuilt. City population (1996 estimate) 255,826.
