Alphred Duport

Alphred Duport
Born	Exeter, Devon, England
Other names	Alured de la Porte
Occupation	Politician
Years active	1269–1284
Known for	Mayor of Exeter (eight terms), execution for neglect of official duties

Alphred Duport—also known as Alured de la Porte—was a freeman in the 13th century from the City of Exeter, Devon, England. He held the office of Mayor of Exeter on eight occasions between 1269 and 1284. After completing his last term, he faced execution due to neglect of his official responsibilities.

Mayoralty

During the reigns of Henry III and Edward I, Duport was chosen as Mayor of Exeter eight times, specifically in the years 1269, 1275, 1276, 1278, 1280, 1281, 1283, and 1284.

Execution

In November 1283, Walter Lechlade, who served as the cathedral’s Precentor, was killed in the Cathedral Yard at approximately 2 a.m. following Matins. The responsibility for securing the six gates of Cathedral Yard rested with the City Council. It is believed that the assailant escaped through the South gate, which was supposed to have been locked an hour prior.

Duport, acting as gatekeeper, was held accountable for this failure in security. He and potentially others were prosecuted and executed by hanging in 1285 for not properly securing the gate.

The historian George Oliver later expressed skepticism regarding Duport’s execution, suggesting it did not align with the King's known disposition. Nonetheless, existing contemporary documentation confirms the execution took place, causing most historians to reject Oliver’s doubts.