Two of Exeter City's Cemeteries
Now Available on Deceased Online

The first of Exeter City Council's cemeteries, Exwick and Topsham, are now available to view on www.deceasedonline.com. The records comprise computerised burial records, section maps showing the approximate location of graves in the cemeteries, and details of other grave occupants.

Above: Topsham Cemetery

The incredible memorial in Topsham Cemetery pictured below marks the resting place of Lieutenant Francis Ross, R.N. Dedicated to his memory by his daughter, the inscription tells of his death aboard HMS Tremendous in the victory of 1st June 1794, aged only 35 years old. The Glorious First of June, also known as the Fourth Battle of Ushant, was the first and largest of the naval fleet actions during the French Revolutionary Wars. Throughout May the British fleet had attempted to block the passage through the Atlantic of a convoy taking grain to France. This culminated in a huge battle near the island of Ushant on the 1st of June. The Glorious First of June was not quite as glorious as it sounds, for both the English and French navies suffered massive damage in the messy battle; at least partially due to their respective admirals' failures to control fleets, captains, and crews. Immediately after the battle both sides claimed victory - Britain due to the capture or sinking of seven French ships, and France because their convoy did arrive safely home.

Above: the stunning memorial of Lieutenant Francis Ross, R.N.

Exwick Cemetery provides the final resting place of artist and Mayor, Frederick John Widgery. Widgery was born in 1861 and trained at various art schools in England and in Antwerp. He began his career in painting in London but returned to Exeter in 1890 and became well known for his landscape paintings of Dartmoor. Widgery became involved in many institutions, such as the Rotary Club and the 1st Devon and Somerset Royal Engineer Volunteers. He was elected to Exeter Council in 1898 and became Mayor in 1904, Freeman in 1905, Alderman in 1909, and Justice of the Peace in 1912. Widgery died in 1942 aged 80 after a life dedicated to art and civic duty.

Above: a watercolour painting by Widgery

Upcoming Records

Exeter's Higher Cemetery is due to be released shortly, and we're working on records from authorities in the East Midlands, London, the West Midlands, and the South East of England.

Watch out for our newsletters to discover when new records are released.