Robert Mortimer, a long-standing bishop of Exeter from the late 1940s, took an interest in Exeter City's fortunes and is known to have attended matches. It is possible that the carvings of Dido, City's 1931 FA Cup seagull mascot, were carved on the cathedral's north side during his tenure as bishop.

Born in 1902, he attended school and university in Oxford and joined the Church of England in 1926. Appointed as Bishop of Exeter in 1949, he remained in post for twenty-four years ahead of his death in 1976. He frequently appeared on television and often spoke to the local media on a number of issues including the importance of Exeter City surviving its various financial challenges. 

There is a story, possibly apochrapal, that one bishop of Exeter would ask for the latest score from City's game to be put alongside the hymn and psalm numbers during Saturday afternoon services.