Gibb photograph archive, Volume 2

Processions for Legal Service, Cloisters and Chapter House

40a

No. 40c

No. 40d

Commentary by Eric Dare: Procession past rubble towards Chapter House for Legal Service.

In 40a, the priest behind the front two men looks like Rev. Langhorne.

It is odd that Langhorne is not wearing a surplice, as this procession would be for a service. Similarly in 40d there are two priests behind the two mayors, probably the mayors' chaplains, also not wearing surplices. One of the mayors is probably the Mayor of Exeter (Mr Mayor rather than Lord Mayor, in that period). The other mayor is uncertain; it may be the assistant mayor of Exeter.

Interesting that they are processing towards the Chapter House. Does that mean the service could not take place in the Nave, which would be the usual venue? The Legal Service is an annual event, marking the start of the Western Circuit. It usually takes place in May, so presumably the photograph was taken in that month. If the priest is Langhorne, it means the date of the photograph is sometime between 1942 and 1944, though he died in May 1944, so the photograph may be 1942 or 1943.

No. 40b

Procession leaving the Chapter House, after the service. This does strongly suggest that the service was held, unusually, in the Chapter House rather than in the nave.

The lead figure is probably the Chief Constable for Exeter.