Charles John Follett

Charles Follett was the son of John Follett, a successful timber merchant of Mount Wear House, Countess Wear, Exeter. John Follett was the brother of Sir William Webb Follett (for whom see the separate entry). Charles was born in 1838 and studied at St. John’s College, Oxford. He graduated in 1860, proceeded to become Bachelor in Civil Law (BCL) and was later called to the Bar. He married first Eliza Harriet Maria Nation, daughter of William Nation of Rockbeare House, Devon. When the 1871 census was taken the Folletts lived at Polsloe House, Exeter. During his mayoralty he launched the City of Exeter Improved Industrial Dwellings Company to provide “commodious and healthy dwellings for the poorer classes” in the city.