Ashburton’s Maritime Legends
Ashburton holds a unique place in British history as the site of Sir Walter Raleigh’s dramatic arrest on 19th July, 1603. After becoming embroiled in a plot against King James I, Raleigh was the subject of a nationwide manhunt. He was eventually tracked down to the Old Exeter Inn – a place he knew well – and was arrested inside the inn on a charge of Treason Against the King.
From here, Raleigh was taken directly to the Tower of London, where he spent the next 12 years imprisoned. Although originally sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, his punishment was later commuted to beheading – a grim mercy. Following his release, Raleigh led a failed expedition in search of the fabled City of Gold (El Dorado) and defied the King’s orders by attacking the Spanish. Upon his return, the Spanish ambassador successfully petitioned for his execution under the original sentence. Raleigh was beheaded at Old Palace Yard, Westminster, on 29 October 1618.
His famous last words, spoken to the executioner: “Let us dispatch. At this hour my ague comes upon me. I would not have my enemies think I quaked from fear.”
And upon seeing the axe: “This is a sharp medicine, but it is a physician for all diseases and miseries.”
Ashburton honours this dramatic chapter in its story in several ways. A Blue Heritage Plaque marks the inn where Raleigh’s liberty was lost, and two murals commemorate his legacy: one on the wall of a neighbouring house, and another on the inn itself, painted by Devon signwriter Josh Monk. This mural was also featured in Channel 4’s Devon & Cornwall documentary series.
The Old Exeter Inn’s nautical legacy adds further weight to Raleigh’s story. As a reputed regular alongside his cousin Sir Francis Drake, Raleigh would have known the inn as a resting place for seafarers, soldiers, and merchants moving along what was once known as the Ancient Mariners’ Way – a key route connecting Devon’s trading ports. The inn’s maritime connections run deep, and centuries later, the inn honours that heritage with the original ship’s badge of HMS Ark Royal – a vessel first commissioned for Raleigh in the 1580s, and the badge of HMS Virago, both of which are now on permanent display.