Roger Conant, not forgotten in Beverly

Beverly, mentioned on the blue plaque in East Budleigh, is also celebrating its 400^th  anniversary  in 2026.  It was where Roger Conant and his family finally settled. 

Both Salem and Beverly were originally part of the Native American settlement of Naumkeag, which changed its name to Salem in 1629. Later, Roger wanted to change the name of Beverly to Budleigh, but the authorities refused his request.  However he has not been forgotten in Beverly. 

The 20^th century saw a partial granting of his wish with the use of Budleigh’s name in the Beverly community. On 27 December 1920, Budleigh Lodge A.F. & A.M.  the A.F. & A.M. meaning Ancient Free and Accepted Masons –was instituted at 134 McKay Street in Beverly by the city’s Freemasons. You can see their arms here.  

Beverly also has a Budleigh Avenue and a Conant Street. And this message was received in 2022 along with a donation towards the East Budleigh blue plaque: ‘As a resident of Beverly Massachusetts I'm actually rather glad he wasn't
successful in his name change attempt but to make [up] for that, I'm glad to support the addition of a plaque in his honor.’

If you are interested in the history of early America, and Roger Conant as a peacemaker in troubled times you can join the Devon Peacemaker Festival Facebook group at 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700424602802079