Accolade for Exeter’s ‘caped crimefighter’

In his days as a caped crimefighter on the streets of Exeter, Percy Prowse would often nip into the city’s Guildhall for a crafty cup of tea and a chat with the historic hall’s mace sergeants.

Now his name has been added to an elite list of Aldermen of the city in recognition of his decades of service to local communities.
“When I used to come in here for a cup of tea on duty with the mace sergeants, not once did I ever think I was going to become a councillor, let alone Lord Mayor or, to top it off, an Honorary Alderman,” he said. “I am truly honoured.”
Mr Prowse was a police officer around Exeter for more than 30 years, a well-known figure in a blue serge cape, riding a bicycle through the streets.
He was a Conservative county councillor for Pennsylvania, Stoke Hill and Duryard, and served as chair of the county council until 2024. He represented Duryard and St James at city council level for 12 years, and was Lord Mayor in 2014.
He also became well known to those who attend local council meetings for his colourful choice of shirts.
City councillors were unanimous when it came to giving him one of Exeter’s greatest accolades at the second attempt. They had tried to do it back in 2019 but were unable to do so because he was still a sitting member of Devon County Council at the time,
Aldermen are able to attend civic ceremonies and walk in processions with senior council members, although they have no voting rights or elected office. 
Just 16 people have been given the honour since 1981.
Cllr Peter Holland (Con, St Loyes) said Mr Prowse had a ‘wicked’ sense of humour, and was an avid cyclist and environment campaigner as well as a keen supporter of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund.
“He will be a fantastic ambassador and advocate for our great city,” said Cllr Holland.
Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) said Mr Prowse had given ‘years of dedicated service to the community’.
Mr Prowse said it was a privilege to have been selected as an Alderman, and added: “The city council does not bestow this honour very often, so I’m very thankful for the council voting the way they have.
“Over the years, because I was a copper for this area, I would watch the Red Rovers, as we called the Aldermen, parading out the front doing their civic duties or parading to other events.
“Now I look forward to joining those events.”
He said the city had lost a number of its older Aldermen in recent years, and he was looking forward to making up the numbers.
“I’m 72 now,” he said. “I just hope I can do enough to fulfil the honour I’ve just been bestowed.”