Exeter Civic Society

Exeter Civic Society

Do you live or work in or around Exeter?

Would you like to know more about its history?

Or have your say on current redevelopments?

If so join us

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.

Latest News

Nicholas Hilliard commemorated with a blue plaque

Posted: 21 October 2019
Exeter Civic Society's latest blue plaque commemorates Nicholas Hilliard, Tudor miniaturist, and his connection to St Pancras church.
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Dr Charles Newton Lovely: Exeter housing old and new

Posted: 2 February 2019
On Friday 1st February 2019 members of the Society braved the snowy weather to attend the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating Dr Charles Newton Lovely. Dr Lovely was an Exeter GP and was the founding chairman of the Exeter Workmen’s Dwellings Company. The ceremony took place at Kings Dwellings, King Street, Exeter, which was one of the properties built by the Company.
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Mary the Pigeon Commemorated

Posted: 21 January 2018
On 20th January 2018 a good crowd gathered in West Street to see the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating Mary the Second World War carrier pigeon and her trainer, Cecil "Charlie" Brewer.
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Upcoming Events

27 February 2020
  • From Museum to University College 27 February 2020 at 10:30 - 11:30 Royal Albert memorial Museum Art & Gallery, Exeter EX4, UK

    This tour is led by leading Historians Julia Neville and Mike Richards and charts the development from Museum to University College and the adjacent area from 1860s to 1920s.

    As this tour will involve walking around the Museum, group size will be very small only 10 so booking essential, see contact details.

    Meet at the rear entrance as the lift at the front is not working. No parking but City Centre so should be accessible by Public Transport.

    See more details
20 March 2020
  • Plaque Unveiling to Sabine Baring Gould 20 March 2020 at 12:30 - 15:30 15 Southernhay E, Exeter, EX1 1PZ

    The plaque will be unveiled on the premises of Gilbert Stephens, formerly Chichester Place where Sabine Baring Gould was born on 28th Jan 1834. As well as being a pioneering collector of folk songs in the 1880s he was also a prolific novelist, travel writer, archaeologist as well as being rector of Lewtrenchard, Devon where his manor house can still be visited.

    As there will be many other interested parties, members are asked to book a place early, see contact details. There will be no charge for this event and a few refreshments will be available after the unveiling in the United Reform Church.

    See more details
21 March 2020
  • Open Morning 21 March 2020 at 10:30 - 12:00 Belmont Chapel, Western Way, Exeter EX1 2DB, UK

    A social event where visitors and guests are welcome and refreshments provided. At 10.45 Jon Bell will talk about the Cinemas of Exeter.

    Only disabled parking allowed in Chapel Car Park. Others please use the Triangle Car Park.

    See more details