Pounding drums, colourful characters and a snappy hobby horse will take to the streets of Combe Martin this Spring Bank Holiday weekend as The Hunting of the Earl of Rone returns.

The quirky folk tradition has an ancient history but was revived in the 1970s after a break of 140 years and will see processions making their way up and down the long main street as the elusive ‘earl’ is sought once more.

It was originally banned in 1837 for ‘licentiousness and drunken behaviour’.

Characters including the Grenadiers, Hobby Horse and Fool along with flower bedecked villagers and musicians will take part in each event, culminating in a huge procession on Monday evening (May 25).

Above: The ‘earl’ is typically escorted down the street back to front on a donkey. Credit: Viral PR

Motorists can expect some delays from Friday through to Monday while the processions are taking place, in particular on the Monday evening.

Friday (May 22) is a little more low key, with the colourful Hobby Horse, Fool and Grenadiers setting off from the seafront at 7pm accompanied by drummers to sniff out the earl and finishing for a well-earned drink at the Castle Inn.

Then on Saturday, it is the turn of the village children, who stage their own procession in the same vein as the main event, setting off from the primary school at 11am and making their way up the village.

Above: Villagers enjoying the Monday evening Earl of Rone procession. Credit: Viral PR

Sunday is when the ‘hunt’ turns to the village back roads and byways, with a larger procession setting off at 1.30pm and combing the side streets.

Finally, on Monday, the earl himself is ‘captured’ at Lady’s Wood and hundreds gather to parade him down the street, setting off from the very top of the village at 6pm.

Above and below: The children’s event is held on the Saturday morning and early afternoon. Credit: Kat Blacklock

Usually facing backwards on a donkey, the hapless fugitive is periodically ‘shot’, revived and the procession continues on, with the occasional hostelry break, before reaching the beach where the earl is ‘cast into the sea’ at sunset.

The unique custom may be based partly in old English folk tradition, combined with local myths and legends regarding a fugitive ‘Earl of Tyrone’ who was shipwrecked from Ireland.

Above: Wanted for high treason – the Earl of Tyrone. Credit: Kat Blacklock 

There is no historical evidence the real earl ever came to North Devon and are many theories as to the origins of the custom, but however it began, the village continues to enjoy the celebration to this day.

You can find out more about The Hunting of the Earl of Rone at https://earl-of-rone.org.uk