The Birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh
The Village
East Budleigh
Salem Chapel
Salem Chapel is a dissenters' chapel that lies on the edge of East Budleigh village. It is owned by the Historic Chapels Trust and they
restored the building and fabric in 2006 at a cost of £700,000. The Chapel was built on land given by John Pounccor and the Lord of the
Manor donated the stone. It was built in 1719 of Beer stone and cob with a hipped slate roof and the interior has a vaulted plaster ceiling
supported by a central column originally made of wood, but replaced recently by steel. The roof is unique with a concave ceiling on the
inside, forming a recessed well on the outside with a hidden trap door to an attic.
A man standing in this well could not be
seen,but had a clear view for miles around,
making it an ideal lookout to see any customs
men approaching. The attic was used by
smugglers and this is where they used to hid
their gin, cognac, tea, lace and silks.
Regrettably today it is no longer used for this
purpose, only rare bats are to be found in the
attic where special provision has been made
for them during the restoration. Although the
chapel has no proven links with Salem,
Massachusetts, Roger Conant the founder of
the American Salem was born in East
Budleigh in 1592, and emigrated there in
1623. It is reasonable to think that some of his
ancestors may have worshipped and been
buried at the Salem Chapel.Like any historic
building Salem Chapel lives happily with its
ghosts!
Under the guidance of Cathy Moyle, a number of
events are held each year in order to raise funds for
the maintenance of the Chapel. This show of thirty
three Christmas trees all lit up and decorated, is a
splendid example of her work. Cathy is ably
supported by a number of helpers and visitors travel
from miles around to see their work. I am sure that
the ghosts do not mind.
