Blue Plaque for Ethel Frewin Mathewson unveiled

Date posted: 
28th Mar 2026

Neighbours and residents gathered in Budleigh Salterton to unveil a blue plaque next to the street sign that bears the name of Ethel Frewin Mathieson. This incredible lady was an early Suffragist and benefactor - building these houses for the local community and campaigning tirelessly for women's rights.

After the unveiling took place, Beth Parr, local resident of Frewins, said a few words about Ethel and why this is so important. Dee Woods from the Otter Valley Association then gave a speech about the life and times of this amazing lady.

Refreshments were shared by the neighbours and it was a wonderful and fitting ceremony to celebrate Ethel Mathieson.

So next time you are in the vicinity, why not pop-over to Frewins and pause for a few moments to celebrate the life of one of Budleighs' past.

Read about this amazing lady here.

[Thankyou to Carole Walker and the Fairlynch Museum for the content about Ethel Frewin Mathieson].