HILARY’S ADVENTURES IN ROGER CONANT COUNTRY (SUMMER 2026)

The Peace Flag, designed by Budleigh artist John Washington, with dove and olive branch, flew from the tower of All Saints Church when East Budleigh staged its first-ever Peacemaker Festival from 15 to 17 May. 

Designed as a tribute to Roger Conant, the event was attended by thirteenth generation descendant Hilary Conant, who travelled from Maine in the U.S. ‘I feel lucky and blessed to have partaken in such a special occasion. Budleigh is an incredible place!’ she wrote. She was welcomed as a guest of honour, saw the sights and made new friends. Here are some souvenir photos.

Supper at East Budleigh’s Sir Walter Raleigh pub, and a view of that blue plaque. 

Saturday morning’s walk among some of East Budleigh’s historic buildings, led by Otter Valley Association guides Paul and Penny Kurowski, including a view of windows at Wynards Farm which may date from at least the 16th century.

Saturday evening: Wise words on peacemaking from the Bishop of Exeter were followed by skilful playing of beautiful music by classical guitarist Oliver Manning. Pieces included British composer Benjamin Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland.

Discovering the Conant family pew in All Saints. This particular pew end was made in 1813.  

The church is celebrated for much older carved oak pew ends, one of which is dated 1537.  Ancient and enigmatic pew ends: Red Man or Green Man? And has this character been divinely punished with a swollen tongue for the sin of slander? Or is he eating a banana?

L-r: Holding the Elizabethan communion cup from which the Raleigh and Conant families may have drunk. Finding the name of Roger’s nephew, Richard Conant, on the list of All Saints vicars; above the list is John Washington’s 2022 painting Blessed Are The Peacemakers, an imaginative depiction of Roger Conant at Cape Ann in 1625. With East Budeigh musician Paul Painter at the font where Roger Conant was baptised in April 1592. 

L-r: Taking tea on Sunday afternoon in East Budleigh Church Hall after the Village Music Concert, with performances and compositions by local musicians. And finally, saying hello to the statue of Sir Walter Raleigh, born in East Budleigh in about 1552.