Gibb photograph archive, Volume 2

No. 11a - William Surtees, Bishop of Crediton.

William Frederick Surtees (16 October 1871–23 March 1956). The second suffragan Bishop of Crediton, 1930 to 1954. Previously he had been Archdeacon of Exeter, 1925–1930.

There is a Masonic Lodge named after him, Bishop Surtees Lodge 8497, Topsham. This is a village on the River Exe, just south of Exeter.

Commentary by Eric Dare: Bishop Surtees. His Christmas party began with a quiz with the winner having first choice of the 20 presents that he gave to each Chorister. His 'palace' was just over the wall from the school. In the summer we could go there and play bowls on the lawn. I was interested to see it still in use when I looked around at Easter [2018] - a professional company- architects/ solicitors? [it is currently, 2021, used by a firm of solicitors, Miln MacLeod]