History behind The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel

Positioned in the heart of Devon and enjoying a prime location in one of England’s most historic cities, The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel counts the famous Exeter Cathedral and historic Quay as it's distinguished neighbours.

Located in the Southernhay district of Exeter, a section of the city's Roman walls runs alongside the back of the hotel. By following the path along the wall, within just a short stroll you'll emege into Cathedral Close and Exeter Cathedral.

1664 - 1832

In 1664, Trinity Green, a new, and larger cemetery was consecrated, just outside the Southgate Hotel and was the site of the riots during the 1832 cholera outbreak as locals objected to cholera burials. These last took place in 1832 and a mass grave is located where the car park currently sits.

1987 - 1996

Plans were submitted to have the The Forté Crest Hotel constructed in 1987, with construction beginning in 1989 on a neo-Georgian style building. Opening to the public in 1992, the hotel contained ten rooms, two restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. It was also positioned close to the South Gate of the city, which had previously been demolished in 1819.

1996 - 2015

In 1996 the hotel was renamed as 'The Southgate Hotel' and in June 2009 the owners announced that the now Mercure Southgate had undergone a £4 million refurbishment, with an extension to the original building adding an extra 44 bedrooms and the banqueting and conference rooms. 

In 2015 the interior of the hotel was redesigned to showcase Exeter’s rich history, including the Cathedral Library’s Exeter Book, a tenth century Anglo-Saxon anthology, and The River Exe. Upon entering the open plan lobby area, guests are greeted by a feature wall which was specially created to pay tribute to the remarkable Exeter Book written in 970 AD and which features the largest collection of Old English literature.

2015 – present day

The Mercure Exeter Southgate now has 156 bedrooms, including three executive suites, each having a King size bed, living room, dressing area and air conditioning. It is also home to As seven fabulous multi-purposes meeting rooms, with conference facilities for up to 150 people, providing one of Exeter’s largest hotel-based conference and banqueting facility. With its banqueting suites, a range of catered events are welcomed all year round, including weddings, Christmas parties and formal dinner parties. 

So, come along and you'll see that there really is more to the Mercure Exeter Southgate than meets the eye. It's a living, breathing piece of Exeter's past, present and future.

To find out more and to book your next event or stay, visit the website, or call a member of Mercure Exeter Southgate team on 01392 412812.