Freedom of City for university duo

Vice chancellor and renowned Exeter historian set to receive honour

 Two leading figures from Exeter University are set to be given the freedom of the city.

Sir Steve Smith, the university's vice-chancellor - the most senior person there  - is being put forward by the city council's executive - for what he's achieved in his 15 years in charge - in making it one of the top universities in the country, with an international reputation.

Dr Todd Gray is an American historian who's made Devon his home, the city his specialist subject and is now a British citizen. Among his books are How to swear like an Elizabethan in Devon (pictured below), and less enticingly, Devon's Ancient Bench Ends. Their freedom of the city has to be verified by councillors next month. If they get it, which is almost a certainty, Sir Steve and Dr Gray will be able to herd a flock of sheep down Exeter's High Street.

Sir Steve's nomination reads: “The university has not only grown considerably, bringing financial benefits to the city, but more importantly has become one of the top universities in the country and indeed the world. It is a leading member of the Russell Group, committed to maintaining the very best research and outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. This has resulted in Exeter attracting students from all over the world, a positive benefit to the City. The medical school, established during his Vice Chancellorship, is recognised as one of the best in the UK. He also works closely with other important establishments to promote a great city.”

In response Sir Steve says: ““It would mean a lot to me to receive this honour but much more importantly I think it would mean a lot to my colleagues at the university. This is because over the last 16 years a large number of staff in the university and the city council have spent a lot of time building a supportive and productive relationship between the two organisations.

Dr Gray has become well-known around Exeter and achieved international recognition for excellence in his particular field. His nomination states: “He is the person to whom everybody turns if any information on the history of Exeter is needed. As an American who chose to settle in Exeter 28 years ago and became a British citizen, he has spent those years researching the history of Exeter and Devon and publishing countless books using original material he has found in this county’s and indeed the country’s archives and repositories. He has over the years opened his home and garden to representatives of all the local history societies to bring them together. He was the person television and radio companies contacted when the fire broke out in Cathedral Yard as it was his knowledge of Exeter’s historic buildings they knew they could rely on.”

In response to his nomination, Dr Gray says: “I feel not just overwhelmed but am stunned at being given this honour - who could anticipate being included in a group of individuals such as Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington? Over the last thirty years I have been fortunate in working alongside great historians such as Mark Stoyle, Julia Crick and John Allan and feel I share this honour with them and the many others who on a daily basis help explain the rich history of this extraordinary city which we all love and cherish.”

The city council awards Freedom of the City to military units with a close connection to the city as well as individuals. In the past, the position has been awarded to such names as Lord Nelson, Liam Tancock, Jo Pavey, Tony Rowe, Rob Baxter and Michael Caines.