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The Mayor and Council of Exeter

London was the first city to appoint a Mayor in 1191, Winchester the next in 1200, and Exeter in 1200 or more likely 1205, making the city's Mayor the third longest serving in England. The Mayor, along with his portreeves, controlled the city - everything from the locking of the city gates at night, the regulation of trades such as brewing and baking, and the control of the markets, falling under his authority. In 1345, the King required that a chamber of 12 freemen be appointed to administer finance and other matters. In 1497, Henry VII reformed the chamber with a governing body, a form of goverment that would not change until 1835, and in 1509, a young Henry VIII decreed that twenty-four of the 'most sufficient and discreet citizens and inhabitants'  were to form a council. When a vacancy arose in the chamber, normally due to a death, the freemen of the city would vote in a new  member, from amongst their number.

Freemen

A freeman was a man who had served his apprenticeship and was free to conduct his trade in his own town; a son could inherit his father's freedom. Freemen, who were members of guilds were granted special privileges and monopolies of trade within the city. A freeman had to serve the Mayor, by defending the city and help maintain the city fabric, while in return, he could vote at the election for a new member of the chamber or the Mayor. 

It wasn't until the 19th century that an attempt to widen the franchise was made. Two Reform Bills in 1831 were debated in Parliament, and voted down; a third bill was passed in 1832, extending the right to vote to male owners of land of more than £10 value and certain leaseholders. It was at this point that the city split into the modern Conservatives and Whigs who later evolved into Liberals, and the council became more political. In 1835 there were 586 freemen in the city out of a city population of over 28,000. In 1867, the Second Reform Act extended the franchise by lowering the value of land or the leasehold value of householders, and in 1872, the first secret ballot was introduced. It wasn't until 1918 that universal suffrage for all males over 21 and females over 30 was introduced.

Freemen didn't disappear, but they naturally declined at the demise of the Guilds and with local government reform. From 1885, a council has only been able to bestow an honoury freedom upon a citizen, and Exeter has bestowed honoury freedom upon Admiral Lord Nelson, William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Crew of HMS Exeter, among others. Inherited freemen, of which there are perhaps half a dozen, that still live in the city, can apply to the Nicholas Spicer Charity (Mayor in 1644) if they hit hard times.

The Chamber

Eventually the chamber comprised the Mayor, eight aldermen and fifteen common councillors. The Mayor was elected on the Monday before Michaelmas by the freemen, from two names selected by the Chamber from their 24 members. The councillors and aldermen were elected for life, again by the freemen. The Mayor and Alderman were Justices of the Peace, and could preside at trials and pass sentence. The chamber controlled the corporation, and the workers employed by the city such as watchmen, bailiffs and scavengers.

The system did allow lowly men to rise to become Mayor, but there was no democracy for the common man, who was not involved in voting for and running the chamber.

The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 reformed the chamber, increasing the council members to thirty-six and forcing an annual election of twelve or a third. It gave them new civic responsibilities and was the beginning of our modern local government.

Mayors of Exeter

Exeter had the oldest 'Right Worshipful' Mayoralty in England after the City of London and Winchester, giving the Exeter Mayor a head position in all parades and ceremonial occasions. For example, when the Mayors and Lord Mayors of other cities were invited to Exeter to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the granting of County status in 1937, Exeter's Mayor was at the head of the procession into the Cathedral by virtue of his seniority.

The status of Lord Mayor was awarded as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002, therefore as a junior appointment, the Lord Mayor walks at the rear of official parades. Councillor Granville Baldwin became the first Lord Mayor of Exeter on 21st April 2002 although the Letters Patent awarding the city a Lord Mayor were actually delivered as part of the Queen's visit in May of the same year. The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor is elected from among the 40 Exeter City Councillors. The Lord Mayor is a non political post while the Deputy Lord Mayor remains politically active. They are kept busy attending more than 600 functions during the year. The Lord Mayor raises money for a chosen charity and attends many fundraising events.

Sergeants at Mace

The Sergeants at Mace that look after the Guildhall, and the six staff-bearers and night watch, policed the city before 1835. When the watch committee initiated changes after the 1835 Municipal Corporation Act, the Sergeants at Mace and staff-bearers were at the heart of the new system of policing. It proved to be ineffective, with much drunkenness, especially among the night watch, It was in 1847 that the first police force was formed in a more modern form, retaining the Sergeants at Mace until 1891. The modern Sergeant at Mace are recruited from retired forces or police personnel, and do everything from guarding the Guildhall, chauffeuring the Mayor, and attending official functions, while the senior Sergeant at Mace is also the City's swordbearer. The Mace Sergeants wear the Waits Chains on ceremonial occasions - these date back to the 15th and 16th century, and were originally worn by the city's official musicians.

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Mayors and Lord Mayors of the City of Exeter and the City and County of the City of Exeter as compiled by Richard Izacke Esq. Chamberlain 1681. Bracketed names are those listed by Rowe and Cochlin in their Mayors of Exeter published in 1964 - if the name has a different spelling, it also follows in brackets for the first occurence.  Up until 1835 the Mayor was elected at Michaelmas 29th September. From 1836 until 1948 he was elected in November, and from 1949, they were elected in May.

King John

1200 Henry Rifford (-)
1201 Henry Rifford (-)
1202 Henry Rifford (-)
1203 Henry Rifford (-)
1204 Henry Rifford (-)
1205 Henry Rifford - The King wrote to an unnamed city Mayor (assumed to be Martin Prudume) this year requiring that he provide a vessel for national defence.
1206 Henry Rifford (-)
1207 John Fitz-Robert - Some historians state that William Derling was the first named Mayor in this year. Hoskins states that Derling was Mayor 11 times between 1208 and 1222.
1208 John Fitz-Robert (-)
1209 John Fitz-Robert (-)
1210 John Fitz-Robert (-)
1211 John Fitz-Robert (-)
1212 John Fitz-Robert (-)
1213 William Blondy (-)
1214 William Blondy (William Derling) 1214 is the date of the earliest maor listed by Rowe and Cochlin 1964.
1215 William Blondy (William Hastement)

Henry III

1216 Walter Turbert (William Derling)
1217 Roger Fitz-Henry (William Derling)
1218 Walter Gervyse - built the Exe Bridge and Cricklepit Mill (Walter Turbert)
1219 Walter Turbert (Walter Turbert)
1220 Walter Turbert (-)
1221 Roger Fitz-Henry (William Derling)
1222 Roger Fitz-Henry (-)
1223 Walter Gervyse (-)
1224 Walter Turbert (Hilary Blund)
1225 Walter Turbert (Hilary Blund)
1226 Roger Fitz-Henry (Hilary Blund)
1227 Walter Turbert (Hilary Blund)
1228 Walter Turbert (Hilary Blund)
1229 Roger Fitz-Henry (Hilary Blund)
1230 Roger Fitz-Henry (Walter la Chawe)
1231 Walter Gervyse (Roger, Fitz-Henry)
1232 Walter Turbert (Martin Rof)
1233 Hillary Blondy (John Turbert)
1234 Martin Roff - Hoskins states that Roth was Mayor no less than 15 times between 1232 and 1253. (Hilary Blund)
1235 Roger Fitzhenry (Martin Rof)
1236 Walter Turbert (Walter Gervase)
1237 Martin Roff (Walter Gervase)
1238 Martin Roff
1239 Water Gervyse (Martin Rof)
1240 Martin Roff
1241 Martin Roff
1242 Martin Roff
1243 Martin Roff
1244 Adam Rifford (Martin Rof)
1245 Martin Roff
1246 Adam Rifford
1247 Martin Roff (Adam de Rifford)
1248 Walter Hastement (Adam de Rifford)
1249 Martin Roff
1250 Martin Roff - former Mayor Walter Gervyse died and was buried in St Edmunds Chapel on the Exe Bridge which he had been instrumental in building.
1251 Adam Rifford (Martin Rof)
1252 Martin Roff
1253 Adam Rifford
1254 John Okeston
1255 Hilary Blondy (Philip Tinctor)
1256 Philip Dyer (Philip Tinctor)
1257 Hilary Blondy (Philip Tinctor)
1258 Hilary Blondy (Nicholas de Ivelcestre)
1259 Philip Dyer (Philip Tinctor)
1260 Walter Okeston (Philip Tinctor)
1261 Hilary White (Philip Tinctor)
1262 Walter Okeston (Philip Tinctor)
1263 Nicholas Ilchester
1264 Philip Dyer (Walter de Okeston)
1265 Walter Okeston
1266 William Dirling (Walter de Okeston)
1267 Nicholas Ilchester - died on 21st February 1268 and was replaced by Walter Chawe
1268 Walter Okeston
1269 Alphred Duport (John de Hokeston)
1270 Martin Dirling (Walter de Okeston)
1271 Martin Dirling (Walter de Okeston)

Edward I

1272 Martin Dirling
1273 Richard Geythen (Martin Durling)
1274 Martin Dirling (Martin Durling)
1275 Alphred Duport (Martin Durling)
1276 Alphred Duport
1277 John Feniton (Martin Durling)
1278 Alphred Duport
1279 John Feniton
1280 Alphred Duport
1281 Alphred Duport
1282 Martin Dirling (Thomas Gatepath)
1283 Alphred Duport
1284 Alphred Duport - also known as Alured de Porta, was implicated in the Walter Lechlade murder and executed in 1285
1285 David Tayler (David Cissor - Lent to Michaelmas)
1286 David Tayler (Taillur)
1287 John Zouch (Soth) - agreement was made between the Bishop, Dean, Chapter and the Mayor and Citizens for enclosing the Cathedral Yard.
1288 John Zouch
1289 Richard Allen (Aleyn)
1290 John Zouch
1291 John Zouch
1292 William Gatepath - the Mayor, with others, witnessed the deed of Ongarus de Saneto Milone, a citizen who gave to the Dean and Chapter Stoke-Wood, uniting Stoke-Wood to their Manor of Stoke Canonicurum.
1293 Richard Tantifer (William de Gatepath)
1294 John Zouch
1295 John Zouch
1296 Walter Tantifer (Tauntifer)
1297 Walter Tantifer
1298 Walter Tantifer
1299 John Horn
1300 William Gatepath
1301 William Tantifer
1302 Roger Beynim (Roger le Whetene) - a dispute arose between Mayor and people of the city, and tenants of the Lord of Kenton and Wyke, who refused to pay Murage for their wares and merchandises. Murage was a tax for repairing the walls.
1303 Roger Wheaton (Roger Beyvin) - Wheaton decreed that persons who set up for Lammas Fair before the appointed time had to answer to the Mayor.
1304 Roger Wheaton
1305 Roger Beynim
1306 Roger Beynim

Edward II

1307 William Gatepath
1308 Roger Beynim
1309 Roger Beynim - Hugh Courtenay was in dispute with Bishop Cator over the purchase of three pots of fish in the market. The Mayor intervened and ordered that one box be allocated to Courtenay, one to the bishop and one to the market. Courtenay berated the Mayor over the affair with the citizens outside, afraid for the Mayor's safety. The Mayor wearing a coat bearing the Earl's coat of arms, suddenly took the coat off and flung it to the ground, stating that Exeter's Mayors from then on would only answer to the king.
1310 Walter Tantifer
1311 Walter Langdon (de Langdene)
1312 William Gatepath
1313 Roger Beynim - the Mayor this year fined the bakers of the city for underweight bread. Seventeen complained, but lost their case.
1314 Roger Beynim
1315 Philip Lovecocke (Lovecok)
1316 Philip Lovecocke
1317 Roger Beynim
1318 Philip Lovecocke
1319 Roger Beynim
1320 Philip Lovecocke
1321 William Wotton
1322 Robert Wotton
1323 Robert Wotton
1324 Philip Lovecocke
1325 Philip Lovecocke
1326 Philip Lovecocke

Edward III

1327 Richard Soller (le Seler)
1328 Philip Lovecocke
1329 Philip Lovecocke
1330 Martin Lekenn (Le Keu)
1331 Philip Lovecocke
1332 Martin Lekenn
1333 Thomas Gervis (Gerveys)
1334 Martin Lekenn (Le Kenn) - died on 17th March 1335 and was replaced by Thomas Lichfield
1335 Henry Hughton (de Hughetone)
1336 Henry Hughton
1337 Thomas Gervis
1338 Henry Hughton
1339 Thomas Lichfield (de Lycchefeld)
1340 Henry Hughton
1341 Henry Hughton
1342 Robert Furber (le Forbour)
1343 Thomas Furber
1344 Henry Hughton
1345 Henry Hughton
1346 Thomas Furber
1347 Henry Hughton
1348 Nicholas Halberton - died on 14th July 1349 and was replaced by Robert Noble
1449 Robert Bridport (de Brideport)
1450 Robert Bridport
1351 Robert Bridport
1352 Robert Bridport
1353 John Spicer
1354 John Spicer
1355 Robert Bridport
1356 John Gist (Gyst)
1357 John Spicer (le Noble)
1358 Robert Noble
1359 John Spicer
1360 John Spicer
1361 John Gist
1362 John Gist
1363 John Gist
1364 John Gist
1365 Nicholas Taverner (Tavener)
1366 Nicholas Brydestow (Brittestouwe)
1367 Nicholas Brydestow
1368 Warren Bayliff (Bailliff)
1369 Roger Plenty (Plante)
1370 Martin Battishill (Batteshull)
1371 Roger Plenty
1372 John Gist
1373 Roger Plenty - died December 7th 1373 and replaced by Robert Wilsford
1374 Robert Wilsford (Wylford)
1375 Robert Wilsford
1376 John Grey

Richard II

1377 Robert Wilsford
1378 Robert Wilsford
1379 Robert Wilsford
1380 John Grey
1381 John Nymett (Nymet)
1382 Robert Wilsford
1383 John Talbot
1384 Robert Wilsford
1385 Adam Scutt (Scut) 
1386 Robert Wilsford
1387 Richard Bosom (Bosoun)
1388 Robert Wilsford
1389 Richard Bosom
1390 Robert Wilsford - a ship from Portugal docked at Topsham with a load of corn, and unloaded it before a license was obtained. The Mayor seized the goods as a forfeit but a fine of four pounds was paid to the Mayor at the request of the Earl of Devon.
1391 Richard Bosom
1392 Robert Wilsford
1394 Robert Wilsford
1395 Simon Grendon
1396 John Talbot
1397 Adam Scutt
1398 Simon Grendon

Henry VI

1399 John Grey
1400 William Wilsford
1401 William Oke
1402 William Wilsford
1403 Henry Hull (Hulle)
1404 William Wilsford
1405 Simon Grendon - founded Grendon's Almshouses, known as the Ten Cells in Preston Street. They were rebuilt in 1878.
1406 William Wilsford
1407 Adam Scutt
1408 William Wilsford
1409 Richard Bosom
1410 Adam Scutt
1411 William Wilsford
1412 William Wilsford - followed by Henry Hull

Henry V

1413 Peter Sturt (Sturte)
1414 Thomas Easton (Eston)
1415 Peter Scutt (Peter Sturte)
1416 John Batten (Batyn)
1417 John Cook (Cooke)
1418 John Batten
1419 Thomas Baston (Eston)
1420 John Batten
1421 John Cook

Henry VI

1422 Thomas Easton (Eston)
1423 John Easton (Eston)
1424 John Cook (Cooke) - a memoradum stated that the Mayor and Officers were to be given 6 loaves of bread and 12d for the feast of Christmas and Easter from this year.
1425 Robert Voysy (Vessy)
1426 Thomas Easton (Eston) - the Mayor was proved in court to be in charge and government of every deceased freemans child under 21. He was to ensure a good education for them.
1427 John Hall (Hull)
1428 John Shillingford (Shillyngford)
1429 John Shillingford
1430 John Hull
1431 William Cook
1432 Thomas Cook
1433 John Salter
1434 William Cook
1435 Thomas Cook
1436 John Cutler (Cateler)
1437 John Hull
1438 Bermet Drew
1439 William Cook
1440 William Upton
1441 Thomas Cook
1442 John Cutler
1443 Hugh Germin (Germyn)
1444 John Shillingford - son of Shillingford above, he was elected against his will, and forced by the King to take office.
1445 John Hull
1446 John Shillingford
1447 John Shillingford - this year the Mayor personally rode several times to London to see the Lord Chancellor, to settle a dispute with the Bishop and Chapter.
1448 John Cutler (Cotelere)
1449 Hugh Germin
1450 William Cremyll (Cremell)
1451 Hugh Germin
1452 Walter Pope
1453 Hugh Germin
1454 Richard Oreng (Orenge) - contracted leprosy and confined to the Magdalen Hospital in 1458 for the rest of his days.
1455 Hugh Germin
1456 William Duke - he was a bell maker who made a bell for the Guildhall in 1464 for 33s 4d.
1457 John Kelley
1458 Richard Druell
1459 John Betty (Bettye)
1460 William Duke - the public water supply at the Carfoix had become derelict. Duke paid for the Carfoix to be refurbished and covered with lead.

Edward IV

1461 John Kelley (Kelly)
1462 Hugh Germin
1463 Richard Druell
1464 Hugh Germin
1465 Richard Druel
1466 Hugh Germin
1467 Thomas Calwoodley (Calwodeley)
1468 John Hamlyn (Hamelyn)
1469 Robert Smith (Smyth) - was born in Exeter in 1430 and died 1490. While Mayor, Smith entertained Edward IV who gave him a sword in appreciation. His grandson emigrated to America with the Rev John Davenport and founded New Haven, Connecticut. A living descendent, Peter Smith lives in Chevy Chase Maryland. The sword can be seen in the Guildhall.
1470 Hugh Germin
1471 Richard Jeffrey (Geffrey)- died 3rd August 1472 and was replaced by Hugh Germin
1472 Richard Clerk
1473 Richard Rumwell (Ronewill)
1474 Hugh Germin
1475 John Oreng
1476 John Atwill (Attwyll)
1477 John Kelley
1478 William Obleigh (Obeley)
1479 John Atwill
1480 Thomas Calwoodley (Calwodeley)
1481 Richard Druell
1482 Roger Worth (Worthe)

Edward V followed by Richard III

1483 John Atwill
1484 Matthew Jubb (Jubbe)

Henry VII

1485 Robert Russell
1486 Thomas Calwoodley
1487 Robert Newton
1488 Richard Clerk
1489 Stephen Rudgway (Riggeway)
1490 John Hooker (Hoker)
1491 Robert Chubb (Chubbe)
1492 John Atwill
1493 John Colshill
1494 William Obleigh (Obley)
1495 John Calwoodley
1496 John Atwill - was considered by his contemporaries to be more 'worthy to be a governor of some great state than this city'.
1497 William Froste (Frost) - was appointed by Henry VII, when the King presented the City with his sword and cap of maintenance. An order was also given that the Mayor should wear a scarlet gown and cloak, which was lined with sarsenet
1498 Richard Undye (Unde)
1499 Nicholas Hamlyn 
1500 Walter Yorke
1501 John Calwodley
1502 Walter Champneys (Champeneys)
1503 Robert Newton - died of the plague on 9th May 1504, and was replaced by John Danester who also died of plague on 15th August, and was replaced by William Frost
1504 Thomas Andrew
1505 William Crudg (Crugge)
1506 Richard Hewitt (Huet)
1507 John Calwoodley
1508 John Limpenny (Lypmany)

Henry VIII

1509 John Buckenam (Bucknam) - was born in Suffolk and came to Exeter to train as a merchant. His nephew William Buckenam was Mayor in 1541.
1510 Thomas Andrew
1511 William Wilsford (Wilford) - died 29th Jan 1512, replaced by William Crudge
1512 Richard Symons
1513 Richard Hewitt
1514 John Moor (more)
1515 William Crudg
1516 John Buckenam (Bucknam)
1517 Thomas Hunt (Hunte)
1518 William Crudg - when he died in 1520, he was the wealthiest merchant in Exeter. He started life as a tanner, and became a merchant after he was maimed in a quarrel.
1519 Jeffrey Lewes (Lewis) - was born in Wales and came to Exeter as a merchant tailor. He became warden of St Mary Magdalen leprosy hospital.
1520 John Broadmere (Bradmore)
1521 John Nosworthy (Noseworthy) - devoted himself to public service, and lost his business as a lawyer as a result. He made a chest to keep the city records, some of which survive to today.
1522 Richard Duke - reformed the ale-houses and made landlords responsible for the good behaviour of their customers.
1523 John Symons - died 27th September 1523 the day after his election, and was replaced by Thomas Hunt
1524 William Hurst
1525 William Bennet (Benett)
1526 Henry Hamlyn - son of a Mayor and from a merchants family, Hamlyn founded the Exeter cloth market.
1527 John Britnall (Brycknall)
1528 Robert Buller
1529 Robert Hooker - John Hooker, City Chamberlain in 1590 was Hooker's son, and Richard Hooker, theologian was his great nephew. Todd O'Brien of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is his great (x13) grandson. There are still Hookers living in Exeter.
1530 John Blackaller 
1531 Gilbert Kirk (Kirke)
1532 William Peryam (Peryham) - his father was a franklin (a freeholder who was not of noble birth). Despite his rough and ready personality, he married Mayor Blackaller's daughter.
1533 Richard Martin (Martyn) - was the son of Sir Richard Martin of Athelhampton, Dorset.
1534 John Britnall
1535 William Hurst
1536 John Blackaller
1537 Thomas Hunt
1538 Henry Hamlyn
1539 Gilbert Kirk
1540 Thomas Spurway - originated from Tiverton. He was bailiff of Exe island and a fortunate marriage helped him in his civic career.
1541 William Buckenam (Bucknam) - nephew of John Buckenam, Mayor in 1509 and 1516.
1542 John Buller
1543 Robert Tooker (Tucker) - came from a poor family from Moreton Hampstead. He received an injury in a dispute which resulted in compensation from the city, which he used to set up as a baker and brewer. He represented Exeter at court when the city was granted county status by Henry VIII.
1544 Thomas Prestwood
1545 William Hurst
1546 John Britnell

Edward VI

1547 John Midwinter - was from a dyer's family in Ottery St Mary. His brother Robert was Mayor in 1559. They were successful merchants.
1548 John Blackaller - was Mayor during the Prayer Book Dispute and rallied the city against the rebels.
1549 John Tuckfield
1550 Thomas Prestwood
1551 William Hurst
1552 William Tothill - Izacke asserts that Tothill had two wives in succession and 36 children from them.

Mary I

1553 William Smith
1554 John Midwinter
1555 Moris Levemore
1556 Walter Staplehill - originated from Tresham, Gloucestershire.
1557 John Peter

Elizabeth I

1558 John Buller
1559 Robert Midwinter
1560 John Blackall
1561 William Hurst
1562 John Peter
1563 John Peryam
1564 Moris Levermore
1565 John Wooloott
1566 Thomas Richardson - originated from Cheshire.
1567 John Smith
1568 Robert Chaff (Chaffe) - originated from Somerset. He was an ecclesiastical lay official.
1569 William Chappell - the first of three Chapell's to be Mayor - see 1579, 1588 and 1595.
1570 Simon Knight - originated from Somerset, he was an apprentice of William Hurst (Mayor 1561), acting as his overseas agent, before striking out on his own.
1571 Thomas Bruerton
1572 John Peryam - died 5th September 1573, and was replaced by John Blackall
1573 William Tryvett
1574 Nicholas Martin
1575 John Peter
1576 Thomas Prestwood - died 28 December 1576, and was replaced by Robert Chaffe
1577 George Perrymam
1578 Richard Prowse - ordered, along with the Chamber that new members would have to present a gilded spoon made from an ounce of silver to the chamber. There is a direct, living descendent of Richard Prowse in Portsmouth.
1579 William Chappell - died 15 December 1579, and was replaced by Simon Knight
1580 Thomas Bruerton
1581 Thomas Martin
1582 Michael Germin
1583 Jeffrey Thomas
1584 John Davy - this year, Don Antonio, the deposed king of Portugal, visited Exeter and was entertained by the Mayor.
1585 Nicholas Martin
1586 George Smith
1587 John Peryam
1588 Thomas Chappell - the second of the Chapell family to be Mayor - he is the (10x) great grandfather of Edwin Chapell, who lives in Exmouth.
1589 Richard Prowse
1590 William Martin
1591 Michael Germin
1592 Nicholas Spicer
1593 Thomas Spicer
1594 John Davy
1595 John Chappell - the third Chapell to be Mayor within 26 years.
1596 John Levermore
1597 George Smith
1598 John Peryam
1599 John Howell
1600 William Martin
1601 Thomas Walker
1602 Richard Beavis - died 26th August 1603, and was replaced by William Martin

James I

1603 Nicholas Spicer
1604 John Davey
1605 Henry Hull
1606 Richard Dorchester
1607 Sir George Smith Knight
1608 John Prowse
1609 Hugh Crossing
1610 Walter Borough
1611 Jonn LantI
1612 William Newcombe
1613 Jeffrey Waltham
1614 Thomas Walker
1615 John Marshall
1616 John Sheer
1617 Ignatius Jourden -  was instrumental in making Exeter a Puritan city, and hence, up for Parliament in the run up to the Civil War
1618 Thomas Martin
1619 John Prowse
1620 Hugh Crossing
1621 Walter Borough
1622 John Modyford
1623 John Gupwill
1624 Thomas Crossing

Charles I

1625 Thomas Walker - while Mayor elect, there was an outbreak of the plague. Walker refused to take office and left the city, to return after 7 weeks by royal command. Ignatius Jourden deputised as Mayor for the seven week absence.
1626 John Taylor
1627 John Acland
1628 John Lynn (Lynne) - originated from Cambridgeshire.
1629 Nicholas Spicer
1630 Thomas Flay
1631 Nicholas Martin
1632 John Hakewill
1633 Gilbert Sweet
1634 Francis Crossing
1635 Adam Bennet
1636 Roger Mallock
1637 Thomas Crossing
1638 James Tucker - originated from Moreton Hampstead.
1639 Robert Walker was a strong Royalist, and was one of those chosen to negotiate the surrender of Exeter to Parliament, at Poltimore House in April 1646.
1640 John Penny
1641 Richard Saunders
1642 Christopher Clark
1643 Sir Hugh Crocker - was Knighted by Charles I July 26th or 27th 1643, while Mayor. See sidepanel Crocker's sons in America
1644 Nicholas Spicer - was one of the negotiators of the Treaty of Exeter, 1646 and was fined for his part in the Civil War by Parliament. He moved away from Exeter and the family eventually founded the Spicer paper making business. Descendants, John Clayton Athol Spicer of London (b 1985) and his father Nicholas John Athol Spicer of Somerset, (b 1940) are both hereditary freemen of London and Exeter.
1646 Walter White - appointed after the surrender of Exeter to Parliament. Entertained General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell to dinner. There is a Nicholas Spicer Charity that still supports destitute freemen.
1647 Adam Bennet
1648 James Gould - was Mayor when Charles I was executed. When the Proclamation for the English Republic was delivered, he flung it in the gutter. He refused to attend a Justice of the Peace who was presiding at the Assizes and was fined £290.

The Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell

1649 Richard Crossing - refused office because the King's Government had been overthrown, so Richard Saunders was elected, but refused on the same grounds so Adam Bennet deputised
1650 Richard Evans
1651 Richard Sweet
1652 Ralph Herman
1653 Simon Snow
1654 Richard Crossing
1655 Nicholas Broking
1656 Thomas Ford
1657 James Pearse
1658 James Marshall
1659 Christopher Clark

Charles II

1660 Christopher Lethbridge
1661 Henry Gandy
1662 John Martin - refused office; the King told him to serve which he did 'with much reputation and honour'
1663 John Butler
1664 Alan Penny died 21st March 1665, and was replaced by Anthony Salter MD
1665 Nicholas Isacke
1666 John Acland
1667 Thomas Walker
1668 George Tuthill
1669 Peter Hagedot
1670 Sir Benjamin Oliver
1671 William Sanford
1672 Henry Gandy - left a tenement in St. Sidwell's for the maintenance of two boys.
1673 Isaac Mawditt
1674 Christopher Broadridge (Brodridge) - was a merchant
1675 John Parr
1676 William Glyde
List Compiled by the City Archivist from here
1677 George Tuthill
1678 William Sandford
1679 John Collyns
1680 Henry Smyth
1681 Isaac Mawditt
1682 Endymion Walker Esq. - a ship from Topsham was named Endymion Walker and was recorded trading with Boston, probably belonging to the former Mayor.
1683 Christopher Broadridge (Brodridge)
1684 James Walker

James II

1685 Robert Dabynott
1686 George Saffin - was a woollen draper. He was dismissed from the Chamber in 1690 for refusing the oath of allegiance to the new king, James II.
1687 John Snell - was a grocer and High Tory who was evicted from the Mayorality on 5 Dec by Thomas Jefford. He became MP for the city in 1702.
1688 Sir Thomas Jefford - was a wealthy wool merchant who purchased Great Duryard from the Chamber.  He was knighted by James II. When William of Orange was approaching Exeter in 1688, Jefford, as a supporter of the King, ordered that the gates be locked against his army. The porter reluctantly opened the gates anyway, allowing the foreign army and William into the city.

William III and Mary II jointly

1689 John Snell
1690 Edward Cross
1691 Edward Seaward
1692 Christopher Coke
1693 John Gandy
1694 Robert Dabynott - was an apothecary.
1695 Gilbert Yarde
1695 Christopher Bale
1697 John Curson
1698 John Burell
1699 Joshua Hickman
1700 John Snell - became MP for Exeter 1702 to 1708
1701 John Cholwill

Queen Anne

1702 John Gandy - was a brewer
1703 John Newcombe
1704 Gilbert Wood
1705 Thomas Baron
1706 Nicholas Wood
1707 Edward Daly
1708 Edward Spicer - was a goldsmith who by 1718, was reduced to a state of poverty and discharged as a member of the Chamber.
1709 Edward Collins
1710 Thomas Salter
1711 Joshua Hickman
1712 Jacob Rowe
1713 John Newcombe

George I

1714 John Gandy
1715 William Sanford
1716 Nathaniel Dewdney
1717 Philip Pear
1718 John Burrell
1719 Thomas Coplestone
1720 William Gandy
1721 John Phillips - was an apothecary.
1722 Thomas Salter
1723 Philip Russell
1724 Humphrey Bawden
1725 Anthony Tripe
1726 Emanuel Hole

George II

1727 John Elston
1728 Robert Lydston
1729 William Stabback
1730 Nathaniel Dewdney
1731 Ethelred Davy
1732 Richard Vivian
1733 Samuel Symons - was a druggist who was Mayor twice.
1734 John Newcombe
1735 Matthew Spry
1736 Samuel Symons
1737 Arthur Culme - was a grocer by trade.
1738 Thomas Heath
1739 Nicholas Blake
1740 Nicholas Lee - was a grocer.
1741 William Newcombe
1742 Nicholas Medland
1743 Philip Elston
1744 John Hawker
1745 Francis Brayne
1746 Matthew Spry
1747 John Manley
1748 Lewis Portbury - ran an ironmongers and foundry business that would eventually become Garton and King.
1749 Thomas Heath
1750 William Trosse - called a meeting 'to consider of proper Methods for the lighting, repair, cleansing and watching of the city'.
1751 Nicholas Lee - due to financial problems, the Chamber turned to Lee, who was wealthy, and he loaned £1,000 to the city for extraordinary expenses.
1752 Robert Dodge - Sept to Nov, replaced by Nicholas Lee
1753 John Luckett
1754 Nicholas Arthur - was a plumber by trade.
1755 Lewis Portbury
1756 William Trosse
1757 Joseph Elliot
1758 Richard Denshan
1759 Richard Jackson

George III

1760 Samuel Pearce
1761 Samuel Dix - until Jan 1762, replaced by Francis Brayne
1762 James Crossing
1763 Edward Walker
1764 Jacob Fowe
1765 John Bussell
1766 Humphry Hill
1767 William Jollin - until Feb 1768, replaced by James Crossing
1768 Philip Dacie
1769 Thomas Dodge
1770 John Floud
1771 Thomas Coffon
1772 Gregory Jackson
1773 Henry Kitson
1774 John Dennis
1775 John Eiles Pier
1776 Charles Edwards
1777 Thomas Dodge
1778 James Grant
1779 Charles Furlong
1780 Samuel Moore
1781 Nicholas Brooke - was declared bankrupt during his year of office, and was removed from the Chamber when his term as Mayor concluded.
1782 John Bussall
1783 William Ilbert
1784 Benjamin Horyce Walker
1785 George Westlake
1786 Nicholas Elias Cosserat
1787 Richard Jenkin:
1788 Jonathan Burnett - was a wealthy plumber who financed the Mayor's entertainment from his own pocket.
1789 William Pate
1790 Edward Raguener
1791 Reuben Phillips
1792 John Pinhey
1793 Richard Chamberlain
1794 Richard Hart
1795 John Balle
1796 Charles Upham
1797 John Brake - was a merchant.
1798 Joseph Gattey
1799 Jonothan Worth
1800 Richard Jenkin
1801 Thomas Floud - conferred the Freedom of Exeter on Lord Nelson on the 21 January 1801 in the Guildhall. Nelson presented his sword to the city.
1802 Charles Collyns - as a banker Collyns was a wealthy man. The Chamber was in financial straits at the time, and Collyns refused to take the Mayor's salary.
1803 John Pinhey
1804 Joseph Greenway
1805 John Thomas Wright
1806 Samuel White
1807 Charles Collyns
1808 Joseph Gattey
1809 Edward Upham
1810 John Hore
1811 William Lee
1812 Benjamin Wm, Johnson - was a surgeon who was allowed a salary of £400 for him to pay for sixteen official dinners.
1813 Burnet Patch - was a hop and spirit merchant who had the small iron Burnet-Patch bridge constructed  in Cathedral Close. See Bridges
1814 John Hart
1815 John William Williams
1816 Samuel White
1817 Charles Brake - on 4th June 1818, Mayor Brake laid the foundation stone of the city prison at Northernhay Street, now occupied by the Thistle Hotel.
1818 Thomas Floud  - opened the newly completed prison at Northernhay Street.
1819 Henry Blackall

George IV

1820 Robert Rogers Sanders
1821 George Galloway
1822 John Harris
1823 William Crockett
1824 Humphry Hill Pinhey  - was the Mayor who opened the newly extended canal on 9th April 1825.
1825 William Payme
1826 John Hart
1827 Henry Blackall
1828 John Haddy Jones
1829 Robert Rigers Sanders

William IV

1830 Paul Measor
1831 William Kennaway - he ran Kennaway, the wine merchant in Palace Gate.
1832 Henry Blackall
1833 Edward Woolmer - owner and editor of Woolmer's Exeter Gazette.
1834 Philip Chilwell de la Garde Sep-Dec
Municipal Corporation Act replaced the Chamber with a Council
1835 Philip Chilwell de la Garde Jan-Nov
1835 Samuel Kingdon (Jn) - took over Kingdon and Sons from his father - the business became Garton and King. 
1836 William Kennaway

Queen Victoria

1837 William John Players Wilkinson
1838 William John Players Wilkinson
1839 Edward MacGowan M.D.
1840 William Drewe - was a non conformist and wine merchant in South Street. He took his family to Australia in 1852 and died there in 1862 where he has numerous descendants.
1841 John Crew Carew
1842 Charles Henry Turner
1843 William Page Kingdon - brother of Samuel Kingdon who was Mayor in 1835
1844 Henry Hooper - builder of St David's Station, and the Higher and Lower Markets.
1845 Edward Woolmer
1846 Charles Brutton
1847 William Denis Moore
1848 Thomas Shapter - doctor who worked tirelessly during the 1832 cholera epidemic and wrote an important study of the outbreak.
1849 Christopher Arden
1850 Edward Andrew Sanders
1851 William Wills Hooper - brother of Henry Hooper, Mayor in 1844
1852 William Wills Hooper
1853 Robert Stribling Cornish - builder of Holy Trinity Church and the grey warehouse on the quay. He also purchased, at his own expense, a large quantity of fireworks to be set off in a field near Paris Street, to prevent the annual 5th November bonfire in Cathedral Yard. After the fireworks show, the crowd still built a bonfire in Cathedral Yard despite efforts by the police to prevent it.
1854 John Daw
1855 John Daw
1856 Thomas G. Norris
1857 William Buckingham
1858 Henry Hooper
1859 Thomas Tanner
1860 Thomas E. Drake
1861 William Kendall - Kendall's Building in Blackboy Road named after him.
1862 William Barnes
1863 Thomas Maitland Snow - (b 1817 d 1899), his father, Thomas Snow (b 1791) was a wine trader and partner in the City Bank. Snow also became a partner, as did his son, who was Mayor in 1889.
1864 Robert Thomas Head
1865 Robert Thomas Head
1866 Robert Thomas Head
1867 John Trehane - wine merchant trading from the Chevalier Inn (Hogs Head) building, Fore Street in partnership with Charles Ham. His great grandson was Sir Richard Trehane a well known figure in late twentieth century farming and Chairman of the Milk Marketing Board 1958-1977, while his great great grandson is Guy Trehane, a farmer in Dorset.
1868 Henry Samuel Ellis
1869 Richard James Norman King
1870 Bartholomew Charles Gidley
1871 Joseph Harding - one of the founders of St Annes Well Brewery
1872 Charles John Follett - Follett's Building in the West Quarter named after him. He was the nephew of Sir William Follett.
1873 Charles John Follett
1874 Horace Charles Lloyd
1875 Henry Wilcocks
1876 William Cuthbertson
1877 Henry Drew Thomas - was a brewer and partner in Harding, Richards and Thomas or St Annes Brewery. He lived in Dix's Field.
1878 William Horton Ellis - was the last Mayor to read the Riot Act
1879 William Horton Ellis
1880 Walter Pring - co-owner of Norman and Pring at the City Brewery
1881 Thomas Andrew
1882 Samuel Jones
1883 Robert Carne Wilkinson
1884 William Brown
1885 Richard Rendle Miller Daw
1886 Arthur Burch
1887 Charles Tanner Kingdon Roberts
1888 William Peters
1889 Thomas Snow - born 1852, son of Thomas Maitland Snow who was Mayor in 1863. He was a partner in the City Bank that was absorbed into the National Provincial Bank in 1918.
1890 Charles Edwin Ware
1891 Edward Holroyd Houlditch
1892 Henry Frederick Willey - founded Willey's Foundry
1893 Edward James Domville
1894 Alfred Roberts Steele-Perkins
1895 Robert Pople - proprietor of the New London Inn
1896 Robert Pople
1897 Robert Pople
1898 Samuel Ward
1899 Hubert Palmer Osborne Hamlin
1900 Albert Edward Dunn - founder, in 1892 of Dunn and Baker, solicitors.

Edward VII

1901 Albert Edward Dunn
1902 Charles Edward Rowe
1903 Frederick John Widgery (F J) - also a well known artist, especially of Dartmoor scenes.
1904 Edwin Charles Perry - drove the first (1905) and last (1931) electric tram in the city.
1905 Tom Linscott
1906 William Henry Reed
1907 Henry Gould
1908 James George Commin
1909 Henry Hugh Wippell - proprietor of Wippells

George V

1910 Alfred Thomas Loram
1911 Charles James Vlieland - was a Doctor who lived in West Southernhay. During his time as Mayor, he opened Rougemont Gardens for the public. Charles Vlieland's grandfather was Dutch and he has living relatives in the Netherlands.
1912 Henry William Michelmore
1913 William Kendall King
1914 James George Owen - proprietor of the Express and Echo.
1915 James George Owen
1916 James George Owen
1917 James George Owen
1918 Sir James George Owen
1919 Thomas Bradley Rowe
1920 Arthur Charles Roper
1921 Philip Foale Rowsell
1922 Philip Foale Rowsell
1923 Philip Foale Rowsell
1924 Arthur Northcote Pitts
1925 William Brock
1926 Ransom fickard
1927 Arthur Erriest Brock
1928 John Shirley Steele Steele-Perkins
1929 Harold Charles Rowe
1930 Charles Warren
1931 Henry William Michelmore
1932 Kenneth Gatey
1933 Thomas John Wembridge Templeman
1934 James William Ackroyd
1935 Percy Rufus Gayton

Edward VIII followed by George VI

1936 Alfred Anstey - the first aircraft to land at Exeter Airport on 31st May 1937 was greeted by Mayor Anstey. He, along with civic leaders were then given a flight over the city.
1937 Reginald John Rew
1938 Rowland Glave Saunders - along with his wife, Mayor Saunders worked tirelessly through the war to raise money for the war effort and keep up morale.
1939 Rowland Glave Saunders
1940 Rowland Glave Saunders
1941 Rowland Glave Saunders
1942 Rowland Glave Saunders
1943 Rowland Glave Saunders
1944 Vincent Thompson - wrote a report recommending the Council discontinue their experiment with traffic lights in the city, introduced in 1930. St Luke's Science and Sports College was formerly named Vincent Thompson School from 1953.
1945 Francis Henry Tarr
1946 William Outon Wills
1947 William Thomas Slader Nov 1947 to May 1949
1948 William Thomas Slader
1949 William Thomas Slader
1949 William Godwin Michelmore from May 1949 - was a solicitor who lived in Pennsylvania.
1950 John Geoffrey Rowe Orchard
1951 Frederick Peter Cottey - a solicitor, Cottey was one of three partners who formed Southern Speedway Ltd in 1929, bringing speedway to the County Ground. (submitted by his great niece, Maggie Silver)

Queen Elizabeth II

1952 Richard Wayland Smith
1953 Alfred James Bovey
1954 Charles Willliam Holcombe Hill
1955 Gilbert John Greenslade - he was one of the founders of Greenslades (Hookways) Coaches
1956 Clifford James Fuller
1957 Ronald Hay Creasy
1958 Charles Rew
1959 Charles Woodland
1960 Philip Francis Brooks
1961 Alfred Peter Steele-Perkins
1962 Kenneth Charles Harold Rowe
1963 Walter George Daw - was born in Paul Street; his father was a baker.
1964 Patrick Allan Spoerer - the oldest, still surviving Mayor (2007)
1965 James Lethley Smeall
1966 Minnie Nichols - was elected as the first Lady Mayor.
1967 Richard Edward Charles Board
1968 John Belsey Martin - grandfather of Chris Martin of Coldplay and founder of Martins Caravans in 1929.
1969 William James Hallett - opened the northern Exe Bridge and was the first to cross in the mayoral Rolls Royce.
1970 Percy Hilton
1971 Herbert Samuel Sargent
1972 Gordon Anthony Joy
1973 Ernest Charles Lovelace Tozer - was the last Mayor of the City and County of the City of Exeter, ending on 30 March 1974
Exeter lost its County status to become a District Council
1974 Walter George Daw  - was Mayor from 1st April to the 2nd April 1974, of the District Council of Exeter
1974 Samuel Honeywill MBE - was elected as the Chairman of the District Council and Mayor of Exeter
The Mayors term commenced on the second Tuesday of May from 1974
1975 William Peter Hutchings
1976 John Frederick Landers
1977 Roger John Keast
1978 Norman William Francis Long
1979 Richard John Van Oppen
1980 Joan Margaret Richardson
1981 Ivy Maud Johns - Exeter's first Labour female Mayor, John's lived on the Burnthouse Lane Estate for 50 years and represented Wonford for 17 years. She was involved in founding Exeter's Hospiscare. She died in June 2007 at the age of 96.
1982 Patricia Spencer
1983 Raymond Edward Robert Long
1984 James Pollitt
1985 Roy Slack - was a railwayman who was Labour leader of the City Council from 2000 until 2007. He represented Exwick.
1986 Alan Williamson
1987 William Henry John Rowe
1988 Michael James O'Callaghan - served for 18 years as a Labour councillor for Wonford, O'Callaghan was a bus conductor. He also ran a stall in St George's Market for a time. He died in December 2007.
1989 Diana Winifred Pamela Sutton Bess
1990 George Clark
1991 Anthony Fry
1992 Yolanda Henson
1993 Martin Rich
1994 Ramon Yeo
1995 Margaret Midgeley
1996 Ian Mitchell
1997 John Holman
1998 Barry McNamara
1999 Roy Hill
2000 May Evans
Exeter was granted a Lord Mayor in 2002
2001 Granville Baldwin became the first Lord Mayor on 23 April 2002 for the residue of his term
2002 Val Dixon
2003 Margaret Danks
2004 Hilda Sterry
2005 Peter Wadham - the high point of the year for Lord Mayor Wadham was the Trafalgar Way re-enactment, when the 200th anniversary of Trafalgar was remembered.
2006 Norman Shiel - the Lord Mayor's charity for the year, the South West MS Centre benefited by £21,000 during Shiel's term in office.
2007 Hazel Slack - is the first to be (Lord) Mayor in her own right, after being Mayoress to her husband's Mayorality,  in 1985.

Source -  Richard Izacke, Chronicles of Exeter by Todd Gray, Exeter 1540 to 1640 by Wallace T MacCaffrey, Eighteenth Century Exeter by Robert Newton and the City Archivist. © 2007 David Cornforth - not to be used without permission.

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