Exeter Civic Society is collaborating with Exeter-based writer and composer Chris Hoban to celebrate the remarkable life of Thomas Gregory (1872-1926), lifesaver of Exeter Quay. We hope to raise enough money to place a blue plaque on what was his last home, now part of the Prospect Inn at Exeter Quay.
Exeter Central Station has been given grade II listed status following the application made by Devon Buildings Group earlier this year. The Group wishes to thank everyone who wrote to Historic England in support of their application.
Whilst Exeter Civic Society has not been involved in the development of the scheme to replace the A379 bridges across the canal, we have received feedback from the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal and Heritage Harbour (FESCHH) about what they believed was good progress for plans to create a greater air draft under replacement bridges. The recent consultation now says that is not being considered which is disappointing. We have sent a letter of concern to the County Council’s Transport Planning team which you can find in the side column, including an objection to using this government funding to undertake off-site cycling improvements. In our opinion, the County Council’s justifications for the choice of options fall well short. On 13 Aug we also published a press release to the local media.
Exeter Civic Society AGM 2026
Saturday 21st November 2026 at 10:30 - 13:30
The Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT, Rowe Room (upstairs)
Time for our AGM again. Tea and coffee will be available from 10.30 with the AGM starting at 11.00. After the AGM we invite you to some planning ahead for next year - we want to enquire what your preferences and ideas are. Lunch will be available afterwards. There will be more details closer to the time. But, if you would like to put an item on the agenda and/or become a committee member, please contact Keith Lewis at keithatecs@gmail.com or Andy McKeon at andy.mckeon@btinternet.com .
Open Meeting: George Brendon on ‘Abraham Cann and West Country Wrestling’
Sunday 17th January 2027 at 10:30 - 12:15
The Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT
A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshment will be available. George Brendon will talk to us about his new book about 'West Country Wrestling', describing the rise and fall of a regional obsession in the 1820s. In the centre are two legendary regional figures from Cornwall and Devon, with Abraham Cann living for much of his life in Exeter. The talk provides glimpses of the raw, atmospheric world of C19 sports - a time of crowded taverns, smugglers, shipwrecks and fierce country pride.

Whether you’re a newcomer to Exeter or have lived here since before the War we’re sure you’ll love this great little city. It has a vibrant charm and a fascinating mix of buildings, and people! From the Roman Wall and Norman Castle to the lively city centre venues, shops and restaurants there is something for everyone. But a city is always changing, and those changes can be for the better or for the worse.

Exeter Civic Society was set up to care for Exeter and make sure that further redevelopments are of the highest possible standard for our city and for our quality of life. If you want to keep track of changes to the city, or find out more about its history you have come to the right place. Not only do we monitor new developments but we have talks about Exeter’s history and visits to local places, some of which you may not even know exist.

Exeter Civic Society publishes 'Prospectus'

Our 28pp “Prospectus for the Redevelopment of the Wider Water Lane Area” was published on 31 Oct 2022. For details please visit the ‘Current Concerns’ section of our website, then ‘Wider Water Lane Area Redevelopment’. 

 

 

Wider Water Lane Area Redevelopment