Mayor of Laurens, SC Visits Exeter, UK: a Historic Moment for Laurens and Exeter  

In a display of friendship and shared history, the Mayor of Laurens, South Carolina, recently travelled across the Atlantic to visit the historic city of Exeter, United Kingdom. This visit underscores the ties between the two cities that have evolved over centuries.

While there, Mayor Nathan Senn had the honor of visiting Exeter’s famed Guildhall, a venerable edifice that has stood as the seat of Exeter’s City Council for an impressive span of over 600 years. This storied structure served as the backdrop for an exchange of symbolic gestures and a meaningful expression of unity.

During the visit, Mayor Senn, representing the Laurens City Council, presented a Resolution and the Key to the City of Laurens to the Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Kevin Mitchell. This marked the first occasion where the key had been presented outside the United States and only the fourth time in the city’s history. Past recipients included a local leader during the Civil Rights era, a police chief who later became the US Marshal for South Carolina, and a 100-year-old Second World War veteran stationed in England, who played a crucial role in preparations for D-Day. These symbolic tokens served to emphasize the deep-rooted historical connection and the promising future of friendship between the two cities.

In reciprocation of this gesture, Mayor Senn received the crest of the City of Exeter, further exemplifying the bond between the two communities. This exchange embodied the spirit of unity and collaboration that both cities aspire to cultivate.

Additionally, this visit allowed for a meaningful dialogue between the Mayor of Laurens and Exeter’s city leadership, including the Leader of the City Council and other esteemed members of the leadership team. Over a cup of tea, ideas and experiences were shared, contributing to a greater understanding of each other’s unique perspectives and challenges.

The historical ties between Laurens and Exeter have their roots in a time when South Carolina was but a colonial outpost. These connections, now spanning centuries, continue to shape the relationship between the two cities, forging a path forward into the 21st century.

Photo Credit: Mayor of Laurens Facebook Page