oldexeterinnNobody was quite sure whether the Old Exeter Inn came with the cat or the cat came with the inn. It was simply that nobody could remember a time when there had not been a cat named Witherington in residence at the inn, a personal domain and stewardship at the disposal of his paws!
All records written, scribbled, whispered, typed and spoken noted that every cat at the inn had been called Witherington, and the current incumbent maintained that tradition. It was a curious matter of record that every cat had been different but somehow the same and always a necessary fixture of the inn.
And indeed, there is a Witherington here to this day! He is the head mouser and patrols the garden at night. He is 14 years old, struggles with his weight, has a splendiferous moustache and a touch of arthritis! He sometimes comes into the pub but can often be found sitting at the bottom of his staircase near Margaret, peering into the Bar, smiling at the dogs barking at him through the glass.
Witherington is a much-loved family member of the Old Exeter Inn, by staff and customers alike. You might even spot him on the mural of Sir Walter Raleigh, as filmed by Channel 4’s Devon & Cornwall programme, on the front of the building! See below.
The Chronicles of Witherington
To celebrate the unique history of Witherington and the Old Exeter Inn our author friend, Andrew Paul, has penned some short stories of the adventures of this rather special feline through the ages! Watch this space for more details and publication dates.
Witherington knew the truth; after all he had informed the landlord of the truth the first night the landlord had taken over, just as Witherington had informed every landlord for more than five hundred years. Each landlord had to swear an oath to keep Witherington’s secret, the oath sealed in a pewter ale pot kept by the huge granite fireplace. In return the cat would share his tales.
Can you spot Witherington?
Witherington also has his own Instagram account. Click here to follow him today.
