Fore Street Topsham, Exeter

Reverend Paul Collings BTh (Hons) - - - - paul.collings@methodist.org.uk - - - - 01392 206229 - - - - 07941 880768

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Monday, 10 August 2020

Around the City - thoughts on Exeter’s past 4


The Gates to the City - West Gate by Rev’d Paul Collings


'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40


The West Quarter was overcrowded and poverty stricken. The people would often turn to drink, to forget their harsh conditions - in 1897 there were 17 public houses in the West Quarter, 26 if you added those in Fore Street and South Street. There were probably even more beer retailers, selling beer and cider from their houses to make some extra money. Temperance societies and hotels were set up in the area to try and curb drunkenness.


Through western gate the people come

Yet not observe the city’s slums,

Where in stark poverty folk stew,

Far from the eyes averted view.


For in the depth of their despair

These people left behind, who cares,

Who stands by them, who lifts their heads

Or place their feet, new ways to tread?


And still today on pavement lie

Forgotten ones, the ones passed by,

Where those intent on their own way,

Ignore the need midst this melee.


Before I judge, does it imply

That I walk on, ignore pass by

Like Levi, priest on other side.

Much needed help fail to apply.


Open my eyes to learn anew

That In each life I can preview

The beauty of your lovely face

A foretaste of the heavenly grace  


There is no Them. There are only facets of Us.” 

John Green


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