Editing Combe Martin (section)

==Annual events==
[[File:Hugh Ó Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone.jpg|thumb|160px|right|[[Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone|Earl of Tyrone]]]]
At one time there were nine pubs: The Castle, The Dolphin, the Fo'c'stle, the George and Dragon, the Lion Inn, The London Inn, The Marine, the [[Pack o' Cards]] and the Top George. As part of the annual [[Carnival]] celebrations, there was a wheelbarrow race over the length of the village, competitors having to stop at each pub and consume a glass of beer before continuing. In 2008 the wheelbarrow race was replaced by a Fun Run and alcohol free wheelbarrow parade. The wheelbarrow race was reinstated in 2009. The carnival, run in the first week of August, also includes a popular parade where [[Float (parade)|Floats]] travel down the long high street for many onlookers. One float named the Uncle Tom Cobley has been entered into the parade since 1911.

The annual procession "The Hunting of the Earl of Rone" features the rare [[hobby horse]] of England and a character called the Earl of Rone. The Hunting of the Earl of Rone takes place over a weekend, finishing with a two-mile procession along the main street, featuring, as well as the 'obby 'oss and Earl of Rone, a Fool, "Grenadiers", drummers and music, a donkey, and hundreds of dancers in festive dress.

The custom was banned in 1837 (due to 'licentiousness and drunken behaviour') as well as the death of a drunken parishioner falling off a wall during the celebrations. The Rone custom was reconstructed in 1970. Legend has it that the [[Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone|Earl of Tyrone]] fled Ireland in 1607 and was shipwrecked at Rapparee Beach, in [[Ilfracombe]] harbour, to the west of the village. However, he actually made it to [[Continental Europe]]. It is an interesting and noisy event which takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend each year.

In early June, a traditional strawberry fayre is held, where [[Market stall|stalls]] are set up to sell local farm produce. Combe Martin was a big producer of strawberries in the past, being sold all over Devon and further afield. Whilst they may not produce many strawberries in the present, the tradition of holding a strawberry fayre remains to celebrate their history. However, other stalls such as charities, crafts and children's entertainment are also usually present. A Farmers Market is also held every 3rd Saturday of the month, which only sells food and is smaller, fitting into the village hall.