Exeter

Abstract

Until the last four years Exeter (1964 population 81,810) has looked to the outside observer to be a typical conservative, traditional town. Its motto is ‘Semper fideles’, and its prominent citizens often refer to it as ‘this loyal and ancient city’. It has a cathedral and a very old Guildhall, and some of its medieval walls are still visible. Its rebuilding has been for the most part in a traditional style. It is also a middle-class city and only a small part of its labour force is in manufacture. It is classified by Moser and Scott¹ as a professional and administrative centre (as are, for instance, Oxford and Bath), and education is one of its most rapidly growing activities.