East Budleigh is preparing to mark a 400-year-old connection with the US city of Salem, in Massachusetts, after councillors there voted on February 12 to formalise a Sister City relationship.
The link recognises East Budleigh as the birthplace of Roger Conant, who led English settlers to Naumkeag in 1626, the settlement that became Salem.
The decision forms part of Salem’s year-long ‘Salem 400+’ programme. In response, East Budleigh will stage its first Peacemaker Festival from May 15–17.
The Bishop of Exeter is scheduled to speak, and a Celebration of Village Music will be recorded to share with Salem during anniversary events in June.
The Sister City proposal was first raised in June 2025 when Salem resident Karen Scalia delivered a letter from Mayor Dominick Pangallo to the East Budleigh with Bicton Parish Council. The parish council agreed unanimously, and Salem City Council later approved the formal resolution.
While Salem prepares to mark its quadricentennial, local campaigner Michael Downes believes Conant’s role deserves greater recognition in his home village.
“I became aware of the story years ago when I got involved with the museum for the commemorations of the 400th anniversary of Sir Walter Raleigh's death,” he said.
“Looking at East Budleigh history, I realized there was another bloke born in East Budleigh who had even more close dealings with North America, and that was Roger Conant.”
Mr Downes contrasted Conant with fellow East Budleigh native Sir Walter Raleigh. “Sir Walter Raleigh is a more flamboyant character, and he had a great sort of PR team working for him during his lifetime, so we know much more about him,” he said.
“The Victorians made a big deal about him… whereas there’s nothing at all attached to Conant.”
He highlighted Conant’s intervention in a 1625 confrontation involving Captain Miles Standish over a fishing settlement which could have ended in bloodshed, but Conant bravely stepped out in front of the two groups and defused the situation.
Later, as new settlers arrived with differing religious views, Mr Downes said Conant “cooperated with the new arrivals”, describing him as moderate and ready for reconciliation.
Conant is already marked in East Budleigh with a blue plaque. Supporters are now seeking to add his name to the village road sign alongside Raleigh’s. Mr Downes said there was local support, though administrative procedures still need to be completed.
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