Sutton is a densely populated constituency located in the centre of Plymouth but despite its name, only 25% of the new Plymouth Sutton's voters come from the seat that previously bore that name and had been represented by the former Conservative Minister Alan Clark from February 1974 until 1992.
Called Sudtone in the Domesday book, Plymouth's original harbour is still called Sutton harbour. A developing trade and the shipment of armies to France led to its early growth, and by the 16th century it was flourishing and the home port to many Elizabethan adventurers, including Sir Walter Raleigh, who set off for Virginia from Plymouth, and Sir Francis Drake, who sailed with the English fleet from Plymouth to defend England against attack from the Spanish armada in 1588.
Sutton harbour is now flourishing and is home to the fastest-growing fish market in Europe. The Hoe, on its southern waterfront, is dominated by the citadel, built by Charles II, and the 29th Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery is now based there. The east of the constituency is bounded by the royal dockyard, which was started in the late 17th century and became the focus for the town of Plymouth Dock, renamed Plymouth Devonport in 1824.