It’s nothing unusual to find Roger Conant described as a salter when you think of the tradition of salt-making in coastal areas like East Devon. Woodbury Salterton and Budleigh Salterton are just two names of places near his birth place of East Budleigh.
In fact, by the time of his birth in 1592, salt-making by the process of evaporating sea water was on the decline in England. By 1619/20, Roger gives his occupation as ‘salter, of London’, indicating membership of the ancient London-based trade association or livery company known as the Worshipful Company of Salters. His brother Christopher had joined the Worshipful Company of Grocers.
Salt was used not only in the preservation of food but included any operation where chemical action was required, such as cleaning, dyeing fabric, bleaching, degreasing, dehairing and softening leather and in the formulation of medicines and ointments.
Because of the range of substances used in such processes the Salters’ Company would find itself closely associated with chemistry and science, and in recent years, the Company has developed strong military relationships. It has supported the South West London Army Cadet Force (ACF) since 1987, and is also affiliated with the King’s Royal Hussars and with the Royal Navy's Vanguard-class submarine, HMS Vengeance.
It may be thought ironic that Roger Conant the peacemaker should be linked to an organisation with such strong military links. Even more ironic is the fact that a descendant through his son Lot was James Bryant Conant, who played a key role in overseeing the Manhattan Project towards the end of World War II.
But then, many would claim that the atomic bomb brought peace in 1945 and continues to do so. You can read more about the Salters’ Company at https://salters.co.uk/
Pictured is Budleigh Salterton artist John Washington's painting 'Blessed are the Peacemakers' above the arms of the Salters' Company.
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
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