A Blue Plaque for Exeter lifesaver Thomas Gregory

Aim

Thomas Gregory was the greatest lifesaver in Britain, saving over 400 people from drowning. Please help fund a blue plaque in his memory.

WHO WAS THOMAS GREGORY?

Thomas Gregory (1872-1926) was a boat proprietor and lifesaver who spent almost all of his life working and living by Exeter Quay.

By the time he died, aged 54, he had rescued over 400 people from drowning in the River Exe.

This makes him by far the greatest lifesaver in British history.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Sadly, Thomas Gregory's extraordinary feats have been entirely forgotten. There is no memorial to his name or incredible achievements, having been only given one award in his lifetime (a medal by the Royal Humane Society).

We are delighted that the Exeter Civic Society have agreed to give Thomas Gregory one of their highly prized blue plaques. These exclusive awards commemorate famous Exonians and other notable figures connected with the city.

Thomas' blue plaque will be mounted on the wall of the cottage where he lived and died, Rose Cottage, now part of the Prospect Inn at Exeter Quay.

We are delighted and very grateful that The Heavitree Brewery, owners of the pub, along with the landlords Mark & Suzanne, have been so supportive of our campaign.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO ME?

In autumn 2025, I was honoured to be made Writer-in-Residence for Literature Works' "Quay Words" and wrote a series of songs inspired by the River Exe. 

Quite by chance I came across a short account of Thomas' life, written by the local historian Michael Parrott. 

This inspired me to write the song "Call Mister Gregory" which I have since performed on numerous occasions, both live and on the radio, helping to spread awareness of Thomas' achievements.

I'd be delighted if you listened to the song, shared this fundraising page with family and friends, and myself, Michael and the Exeter Civic Society would be absolutely thrilled if we can raise the £1,500 need to purchase and mount the memorial for such an astonishingly brave, humble and remarkable man.

It is exactly 100 years since his death this December 20th. Let's commemorate this with a blue plaque for Thomas Gregory.

Thank you! Chris :-)

PHOTOS

Thomas Gregory (R) and his son, Thomas (also a prodigious lifesaver) on being awarded his RHS medal:

Thomas' house, Rose Cottage, seen here on the front of today's Prospect Inn (then known as the Fountain Inn) when he lived there in 1911:

Rose Cottage being incorporated into the Prospect Inn (photo thanks to Exeter Memories):

Exeter quayside today (photo thanks to Exeter Canal & Quay Trust), showing Thomas' house mid picture:

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th October 2026 at 2:36pm