Thomas Floud was arguably Exeter's most successful Mayor of the century. When he retired from office in 1802 The Exeter Flying Post (30thSeptember 1802) reported , among other things, that he had removed an unbounded number of nuisances which, from their having been continued with impunity, had become habitual. Moreover he had changed the appearance of the public streets from the most disgusting filth to perfect cleanliness. Thomas Floud was a strict disciplinarian and applied the regulations of the time with energy and commitment, The week after his retirement, The Post published this Address which had been agreed by the Constables of the City at a special meeting in the Swan Tavern:
"SIR,
"Sensible of the great Advantages that have arisen for the Citizens at large during your Mayoralty and the upright and independent Manner in which you have perfomed the Duties of Chief Magistrate, permit us to offer you our warmest Thanks
"We not only feel. in common wuth our fellow Citizens, the Benefits of those salutary Measures which you have adopted and carried into Effect, for removing Offences of all Descriptions, and thereby promoting the Convenience and the Healths of the Inhabitants but we also admire the great Attention that has been paid to every part of the Police of this City/
"We beg Leave to express our Acknowledgement of the very handsome Conduct you have exercised towards us as CONSTABLES in the Execution of our Office and we should more deeply lament your quitting the situation you have held , had we not the Assurance that your successor will follow up those Measures you have so beneficially adopted."
It must have been heartening for citizens and police to think and feel that somebody cared for the city of Exeter who had the will and the authority to introduce salutary measures.
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