The Birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh
The Village
East Budleigh
Statue of Sir Walter Raleigh
Unveiling Ceremony
The Duke of Kent arriving in East Budleigh accompanied by the Lord
Lieutenant of the County. Most people remember Sir Walter Raleigh
for having introduced tobacco and potatoes from the New World to
Europe. Tobacco plants can be found growing wild around Hayes
Barton to this day. Hanneke Coates.
Our MP Hugo Swire introduces the Duke of Kent, while the sculptor and the Parish
Chairman looks on. This must be one of the historic moments in the long history of the
village, made possible by the tireless efforts of our MP, who lobbied Ken Clarke MP to
obtain the funds. Half the village attended the ceremony and at last we have a
permanent reminder that this village is the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh.
The Dedication Service over, the guests and our MP make
their way to the site of the statue.
The Statue in
place!