There are Blue Plaques, together with other memorial signs, dotted around Exeter. These commemorative markers are placed in public locations as a historical reference and remembrance to notable people, significant events, and historic buildings connected with the city.
The Exeter Blue Plaques Trail
Often referred to as the Exeter Blue Plaques trail, these plaques can be found across the city centre and surrounding areas, helping visitors and residents discover the stories behind Exeter’s past.
A scheme administered by the Exeter Civic Society is dedicated to installing future plaques as monuments to mark remarkable episodes and create interest in the city’s history.
Visitors to Exeter, as well as local residents, are encouraged to look out for these plaques and learn more about how these connections link Exeter today with its rich past.
Over time, this page aims to build a growing collection of the plaques and tributes that can be discovered around the city — not just for visitors to find, but also for residents, many of whom may still be unaware of their existence.
Commemorative Signs
Rougement Castle
Location: The gatehouse of the Castle
Installed for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The Devon Witches Plaque
Location: Rougemont Castle gatehouse
The last people to be executed for witchcraft in England. They were tried at Rougemont Castle & hanged at Heavitree in the city.
Rougemont House and Gardens
Location: Rougement House, Castle Street
Installed for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Blue Plaques
Charles Dickens
Location: 143 Fore Street, Exeter
Unveiled by journalist and crime writer Simon Hall in 2013.
Thomas Latimer
Location: 143 Fore Street, Exeter
Joint associated plaque with Charles Dickens
Unveiled by journalist and crime writer Simon Hall in 2013.
Abraham Cann
Location: on Bartholomew Street West
Unveiled on 7th April 2022
Violet and Dame Irene Vanbrugh
Location: walkway between Roman Walk and Southernhay
Charlie Brewer and Mary the Pigeon
Location: on West Street
Unveiled on 20 January 2018
Dr Peter Hennis
Location: On the wall of St Sidwell’s Church
The City Wall
Location: On the wall along Roman Walk
If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Exeter’s historic locations, the Blue Plaques trail is also featured in our guide to the 25 best things to do in Exeter.
It includes a selection of historic landmarks, attractions and local experiences across the city.
Learn More!
ExeterViews is a visitor, tourist and residents’ guide to the City of Exeter and the surrounding county of Devon. Learn more about the county’s capital city by visiting ExeterViews.
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