Pirate Plunder August 2021 by ASTAC

AUGUST 2021

ISSUE 10

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V I S I T T H E WO R L D - FA M O U S

HOTEL – PUB – RESTAURANT – MUSEUMS – SHOPS

STAY AT JAMAICA INN Choice of 36 bedrooms, including new rooms, olde worlde four-poster rooms, suites, etc. Flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

EAT AND DRINK Breakfast, hearty meals or lightbites from 7.30 am to 9.00 pm and roast on Sunday. Local ales, fine wines and freshly ground coffee.

SMUGGLING MUSEUM The UK’s largest selection of genuine artefacts from Cornwall’s smuggling history and short film. Open daily from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm.

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Volume 4 Number 10 August 2021 Pirate Plunder is an independent title published thrice a year in May, August and November for The Pirate Brethren of the British Isles. It aims to encourage the fundraising activities of pirate crews by promoting pirate festivals and other events where charitable pirates are to be found.

EDITORIAL Cap’n Davy Young Young Editorial Services 52 Rickman Hill, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 3DP Tel: 01737 551687 Mob: 07785 796826 E: youngeditorial1@btinternet.com

A first-time reader of Pirate Plunder recently told me how interesting he found the list of festivals and other events that mark the passing of the year for The Pirate Brethren. This was good to hear as an important reason for launching the magazine in 2018 was to keep organisers upto-date on the locations and dates for regular gatherings of pirates such as the Brixham Pirate Festival and Harry Paye Day in Poole, and new projects being planned, so they could avoid a clash that may force those of a piratical nature to make difficult choices on where to drop their anchors. Due to the effect of the plague from Far Cathay, my new reader saw a calendar listing just nine entries in May this year, compared to 21 in May, 2019. This drop of over 50% has undoubtedly impacted the wide variety of charities that have previously benefitted from the fund-raising activities of pirate crews, but all is not lost as the recent Hastings Pirate Weekend Gallivant to support local businesses proved what a resilient bunch of scoundrels we all are!

PRODUCTION Anthony Wiffen ASTAC Business Publishing Ltd Tel: 01460 261011 Mob: 07557 280769 E: anton_print_1@mac.com

Scuttlebutt

Broadside

News and rumours from The Pirate Brethren of the Seven Seas.

Captain Frank Sharman explains how, after building his first boat, he went on to construct or convert a fleet of pirate ships.

Captain’s journal

The pirate who inspired ‘Black Sails’

Having met his Mum at the Smugglers Inn, James Summer returns to his ship where he is handed a disquieting letter.

Continuing our series on famous pirates, we focus on Captain Henry Jennings. He established a pirate haven on the island of New Providence, which inspired the TV series ‘Black Sails’.

Smugglers’ haunt in Rye

Front Cover. Main image: Julie Dyer, Tracie Vincent, Vivienne Mackie and Dawn Ballard from Hastings and Eastbourne Pyrates are all at sea during the Weekend Gallivant (picture courtesy of Richard Dyer). Inset: The Crazy Captain Ashley (right) meets a pirate with drawn pistol in a Hastings alleyway – this may not end well!

For the second in our series on smuggler hostelries, members of the Pirate Family Young navigated the mean streets of Rye to The Mermaid Inn once frequented by the Hawkhurst Gang.

The Hawkhurst Gang

Named after their home village of Hawkhurst, its members were infamous smugglers in the first half of the 16th century.

A big crew with a big heart 12 Sheppey Pirates burst into life at an event featuring the first World Plank Walking Championships in 1997. Today, they have become much more of a living history group renowned as a crew with a big heart.

Pirate shoes on a shoestring 15

Merlin Blencowe describes a very easy way to create a pair of authentic-looking shoes for Golden Age of Piracy reenactment, using a cheap pair of modern shoes.

Shantyman

Trading post

How to become a pirate

Shanty group Bamaluz Bootleggers of St Ives recently appeared on Susan Calman’s Grand Week by the Sea on Channel 5.

Weapons, clothing, boots, hats, eye patches, earrings, tankards for grog and all manner of gear for pirates.

List of active pirate crews from the coast of South Devon up to the shores of the Forth and Clyde.

Where to see pirate action 22 Calendar of festivals or re-enactment events either organised by pirates or likely to be subject to a pirate attack. August May 2021 2019 c Pirate Plunder

Dorset pirates raise funds

fund-raising weekend in May, organised by The Jolly Rogers Dorset in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, was cordially hosted by The Red Lion pub in Swanage (see

advertisement on page 15). In addition to a raffle of prizes given by local businesses, there was an auction of gear donated by the pirates, as well as games for the children. Once the contents of a bucket collection around the town had been

added to the money raised at the pub, the total amount came to £1,235.84. The pirates, now even jollier than usual, rounded off the weekend at The Red Lion by dancing a few jigs to tunes provided by Rich Baxter Music!

Successful day for ‘Pirate Takeover’

Held at Heskin Hall in Chorley, Lancashire, on 11 July, the first ‘Pirate Takeover’ proved to be a popular event and the venue’s Lynne Harrison told Pirate Plunder that it certainly won’t be the last. The successful day featured a number of different attractions, including stalls selling pirate gear, children’s rides, birds of prey, goats from the Woodlands Animal Sanctuary and the Hall’s beer garden,

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which was well-stocked with rum. There was also traditional singing from the local Lytham St Annes Shanty Crew and an energetic performance by children from the Willpower Theatre and Dance Academy. Captain Jack Sparrow (Wayne Truman) hove

into view and Quinn the human monkey wowed the crowd with her antics. A considerable number of visitors voiced the opinion that few events like this happen in the North-West, so Heskin Hall has now responded to a number of requests by setting up a Facebook group page: Pirates North West and hopes this will become a sheltered harbour where all pirates, privateers and other scoundrels in the area can meet together.

It’s a fact In the 16th Century, Queen Elizaberth I landed Vice Admiral Sir Henry Killigrew with the unenviable task of ridding the SouthWestern Approaches of pirates. He was, in fact, friends with many of them and his own wife, Lady Mary Killigrew, was not averse to a little piracy herself, being the daughter of a former Suffolk pirate While he was out on patrol at sea, she led her household staff from Arwenack Castle in Cornwall on raiding parties. In 1570, she captured a German merchant vessel off Falmouth, which was taken to Ireland for sale. Unfortunately, the ship’s owner was a friend of the Queen, who then had Lady Mary arrested. Her trial took place at Launceston Assizes, but she was acquitted after the jury was bribed by her family. After this narrow escape, she gave up piracy, but still indulged in fencing stolen goods, often burying treasure in the castle grounds until a buyer could be found.

Full programme for first ‘Gallivant’

reating what was effectively a new event during a pandemic is no easy task, so organiser Anton Burton Windsor is to be congratulated on Hastings Pirate Weekend Gallivant, which replaced the East Sussex town’s regular Pirate Day this year. The aim was to support local businesses, particularly taverns that have suffered badly due to the plague from Far Cathay, and also to raise much-needed funds for next year’s event by which time, life should have returned to normal. The ‘Gallivant’ took place under almost Caribbean skies from

16-18 July and offered an incredible number of attractions and performances for pirates from eight to eighty plus. Hastings pubs made every effort to provide a convivial atmosphere for visiting buccaneers, with events on Friday ranging from live music by The Captain’s Beard at The Fountain and Lovinia Belle (The Drag Pirate Queen) at The Nags Head to Tom Kelly singing folk songs and shanties at The Stag Inn. The evening saw pirates gather in the Pier Beer Garden to be hosted by compere Greg Draven as Blackbeard, with more music, the Pentacle Drummers,

Pirate supporting a Hastings tavern (picture courtesy of Jeff Pitcher).

merry wenches, cabaret and circus acts. There was no central stage or parade this year, but on Saturday the festivities continued, with all-day pirate cocktails and special pirate drinks

for kids at the Beach Café, while the JollyRoger band played at Tommy’s Pizza. There were piratethemed children’s rides and a ‘Pirate Market’. That evening, there was a socially-distanced ‘Meet and Greet’ with Jack Sparrow and the Redcoats, and a most interesting event in an intimate setting with live music – Wayward Voyage by its author, Anna M. Holmes. This brought to life the history of Anne Bonny, ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham and Mary read from the Golden Age of Piracy. Another full programme greeted revellers on Sunday to conclude a most successful ‘Gallivant’.

Penzance Harbour

Captain and crew are visiting as many pirate events as they can with their stall, not the boat, unfortunately! We shall have all you will need to bring out ‘yer inner pirate’ from shirts, hats, trousers and flags to piratical accessories beyond count. We stock 17th & 18th Century weaponry, as well as Celtic, Gothic, Steam-punk shirts and T-shirts plus a range of jewellery and accessories. So we hope to see you at one of the events this year, but if you cannot make it, we can be found in Penzance Harbour, Cornwall.

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was recently asked, “How came the fleet?” Well shipmates, I never intended to end up with a fleet. Me aim was simply one boat and a pirate boat at that being as I was now dressing as a pirate and going to pirate events, so I felt it was better to be the Captain of a ship – even a small one. I started to construct a pirate boat despite having no knowledge of sailboat design or even small boat building skills. ‘Sea Dragon’, as I named her, was to be a two-masted craft that could be sailed by one man. Some-one said it would be just a raft sporting a pole and flag, with oil drums to keep it afloat, but it wasn’t. A pirate boat emerged from me pile of timber and it was a grand sight. I needed to know if it would float and not keel over and sink with me in it. Imagine the shame and humiliation should that happen before the eyes of curious landlubbers and the TV crew reporting on the launch of me first ship. I therefore decided to make a test model so that any faults could be ironed out. It was no small thing when completed, but nearly keeled over when I put her in the water. It was all a matter of there not being enough ballast and also a problem with the masts, but that was easily put right and when the full size boat was put in me

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big test pool, the modifications I’d made confirmed that it was now perfectly stable when afloat. An invitation arrived to take a boat to Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny. This was an opportunity to demonstrate me craft, but there was no slipway for launching from a trailer, so a lighter boat was now required that could be carried down steps and launched by hand. Once ‘Sea Dragon 3’ was finished, I climbed aboard to test her in the big pool. The fleet continued to expand with the addition of larger models for use in a film me friends in the Pirate Brethren and I made of our adventures. ‘Sea Dragon 7’, another large model fitted with a removable centreboard, proved to be a great success when towing her up the river at Matlock Bath. I then spotted a derelict rowing boat abandoned in a local boatyard, which I rescued for the fleet. The next project will be to convert a small boat into a raiding craft and use as a tow boat for the unmanned ‘Sea Dragons’. When complete, this will enlarge the fleet to ten craft, including two manned boats, three salvaged conversions and five large, unmanned models. Most boats require a trailer, so I can move them around me yard when working alone, but there’s also other equipment, such as oars, outboard motors, covers and items necessary to maintain and support the fleet. However, I’ve also discovered that the most important thing at the end of the day is the helping hands of your crew. Cap’n Frank Sharman Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts

Thank you so much for the pirate magazine, always an enjoyable read. Keeping my fingers crossed that so many of the planned events mentioned can go ahead this year. Christine Wadey Fareham, Hampshire

10/11/2020 08:12

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07:47

Captain’s journal 18th November, 1673

arrived back aboard my ship, ‘Lady Mondegreen’s Wrath’, to be greeted by an impatientlooking Davy clutching a sheaf of documents, correspondence he collects for me from various trusted establishments whenever we make land. “Fetch me a drink and sit down, Davy, I’ll tell you all we spoke of,” I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. He thrust the stacked papers toward me. “Matthew wrote back.” Spotting Matthew’s seal on the topmost letter and abandoning all pretence of manners, I grabbed it and hurried toward my quarters. As I walked, I examined the missive. I could feel something bulkier than mere parchment contained within and as I stepped into my cabin, I broke the seal and emptied the contents on to the desk. A page fluttered out written in a hand I did not recognise, but it was to the item that bounced across the table with a musical jingle that my eye was immediately drawn. I recognised it immediately; Matthew’s ring: a chunky gold death’s head with elaborate engravings that I had long admired. The smile that plastered itself across my face at the sight of this well-remembered link to my past was wiped away in an instant as I considered what its appearance here could mean. With a sense of deep foreboding, I snatched up the letter. Dear Captain Summer, It is my sad duty to inform you that Matthew Winyard departed this vale of tears on the night of 19th September in the year of our Lord 1673. I, being the priest of our small parish, was called to attend upon him in his final hours as he did not wish to die unshriven. Matthew was most insistent that I write to you and explain that he did not die by his own hand. He told me that he had received a visitation on the night of 11th September, by whom he would not say, but whey-faced, turned to the wall and grew silent. Since this ‘visitation’ he unfortunately fell prey to the fit of nervous exhaustion from which he eventually succumbed. He spoke of other things, of his love for the sea and his regret for leaving his crew. He made me swear that I would send you this ring, which he told me was always to be yours, and to deliver this warning. James, do not return to the island by any circumstance or compulsion, 8

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seek land half-a-world away if you can, but never return to that place. What else he said I cannot say, it is protected by the sanctity of the confessional. However, having heard his confession and looked into his haunted eyes, I would urge you to accede to your friend’s last request of you for the sake of your immortal soul. He wished a good Christian burial on hallowed ground and can be found interred at St Martin’s-on-the-Walls in Wareham, Dorset (Editor: see church above). Know that he died absolved of his sins and that as he passed into the arms of our Lord a perfect peace was upon him. Yours sincerely Reverend William Garner

For a long time I sat, numbly, staring at the ring and thinking. By the time my letter to Matthew arrived he’d already have passed and, yet knowing nothing of our troubles, he still saw fit to warn me off that cursed island. What visitation precipitated his demise? My gut tells me I’ll find out before I’m sailing clear waters again. I can see Davy’s head passing the lead-lighted windows with increasing frequency. Soon he’ll invent some excuse to come in and discover what news the letter brought. Tonight, we’ll stack the cannons and load our guns, three English volleys from the 9s and one French volley of small arms. Captain and crew will drink together, to the memory of my dear friend Captain Matthew Swinyard, the pirate’s pirate.

The pirate who inspired ‘Black Sails’

he early life of Henry Jennings was largely unrecorded, although it is generally agreed that he owned a plantation in Jamaica until he became a privateer during the War of the Spanish Succession. This career move proved financially beneficial and his reputation as a fearsome opponent was established in a particularly audacious raid in 1715. Whilst navigating the American coast, Spain’s Treasure Fleet was battered by Toby Stephens as Captain Flint in ‘Black Sails’.

bad weather in The Bahamas and then destroyed by a hurricane as it approached Florida. When King Philip V of Spain heard about the loss, he despatched crews to salvage what treasure they could find. The Spanish located the fleet’s flagship, ‘Urca de Lima’, and began to recover its precious cargo, which they transferred to a fort built at St Augustine for safe storage as salvage efforts continued. Captain Jennings, leading a fleet

of his own in the sloop ‘Bathsheba’ arrived on the scene and finding that his crew outnumbered the fort’s garrison by four to one demanded the treasure, which was yielded after a short conflict and his ships sailed to Jamaica piled high with loot. Further raids led to him being declared a pirate by order of King George I, so rather than risk the gallows, he fled to the island of New Providence where he set

up home in Nassau, establishing a so-called ‘Commonwealth of Pirates’. He was a mentor to other pirates such as Jack Rackham and Charles Vane, and became the de facto Mayor of New Providence – the expressed aim of Captain Flint played by British actor Toby Stephens and the inspiration for the TV series ‘Black Sails’. In 1718, Captain Jennings accepted an amnesty offered by Woodes Rogers, Governor of The Bahamas, and changed sides to hunt down his former allies, finally retiring to a life of considerable luxury in Bermuda.

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Smugglers’ haunt in Rye

s the article on the opposite page mentions, the infamous Hawkhurst Gang of local smugglers once drank at The Mermaid Inn, with loaded pistols to hand. John Wesley preached at Rye in 1773, but lamented, “I found people willing to hear the good word at Rye, but they will not part with their accursed smuggling”. Today’s patrons and visitors to Rye, which recently came seventh in a list of the UK’s ten most idyllic towns, are much more welcome at this beautiful and fascinating hotel. This venerable building celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2020, having been burnt down during a raid by the French in 1377 and rebuilt in 1420. The site was, however, established as early as 1156 during the reign of Henry II and its barrel-vaulted cellar, which survived the fire, is still used to store wine today. The Mermaid Inn has been continuously owned by two families since 1993 when Judith Blincow

and Robert Pinwill, who were then employed at the premises, led a small, local consortium to run it as a family business. The present landlady is Judith Blincow and husband Martin was a gracious and informative host when members of the Pirate Family Young were given a guided tour of the premises from the Norman cellars to the bedrooms, most of which seem to be haunted by their own resident ghost! In Dr Syn’s Bedchamber, we were shown a bookcase, which swings open to reveal a secret passageway leading to an oubliette. The unique interior of the hotel features

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I found people willing to hear the good word at Rye, but they will not part with their accursed smuggling a restaurant lined with linen fold panels serving locally-sourced seasonal produce, while the Giant’s Fireplace Bar offers local ales and a selection of 52 gins and more than 90 whiskies. There are two lounges, the smallest one overlooking the ancient cobbles of Mermaid

Street, which previously led down to the harbour. Finally, adding to the sense of drama, it is known that in 1597, the Landlord, John Fowtrell, watched Shakespeare’s troupe of players in performance for his inauguration as Mayor of Rye. A quotation from Love’s Labour’s Lost on a frieze in Dr Syn’s Lounge giving the same date was retouched by an unknown painter from the Slade School of Art in the 1940s. Pirate Plunder remains very grateful for the invaluable details it received and, of course, the drinks on the house! More information from www.mermaidinn.com

he Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society, which is listed on page 20, takes its name from what, in 1735, was then known as the Holkhourst Genge. Named after their home village of Hawkhurst, its members were infamous smugglers feared not only in their local area, but for their power to control the trade in illicit goods from the coast of Kent to Dorset in the West. Their main base was at the Oak and Ivy pub in Hawkhurst, but they also enjoyed frequenting the town of Rye, where – at The Mermaid Inn – it is reported that, “They would sit and drink with loaded pistols on the table”. There are many legends about the tunnels the Hawkhurst Gang built from the Oak and Ivy. It is believed that tunnels went to Tubs Lake on the Cranbrook road (named after the tubs of brandy found floating on the water), to the Royal Oak in the village centre, Four Throws on the Sandhurst road and to the building where the Tudor Court Hotel now stands. In 1740, Thomas Carswell, a Revenue Officer, was shot and killed at Silver Hill between Hurst Green and Robertsbridge while trying to apprehend some of the smugglers. One of the guilty men, George Chapman, was gibbetted

The Hawkhurst Gang

Members of the Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society watch as the flames rise in the shape of a Phoenix.

on the green of his home village – Hurst Green. Four years later, it is recorded that three large cutters unloaded contraband at Pevensey, and 500 pack horses carried the goods inland. This major operation provided adequate proof that the smugglers felt able to act with complete impunity. In 1748, one of the gang brought a large cargo of brandy, tea and rum over from France in his cutter. A Customs cutter captured and seized two tons of tea, 39 casks of brandy and rum, and some coffee. The goods were stored in the Customs House in Poole, Dorset, but some of the smugglers escaped and contacted the gang, who attacked the building and retrieved their contraband. Several months later, one member of the gang known as Diamond was arrested and gaoled at Chichester. Another

member called Chater offered an alibi for Diamond, but while he was talking to a Customs Officer named Galley, they were spotted by a local informer, who told the gang. They decided

that Chater was informing on them and this mistake soon led to the death of both men, with Galley being buried alive and Chater thrown down a 30 ft well and large stones being dropped on him. Until then, the Hawkhurst Gang had been looked upon as benefactors by the local population, but these brutal actions turned the tide against them and the smugglers’ leader, Arthur Gray from Hawkhurst, was executed in 1748. Thomas Kingsmill from Goudhurst took over as leader, but the gang was never the same after being defeated by a local militia at a pitched battle in the village.

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A big crew with a big heart

By John Nurden, Ade Collins and Mark Jenkins*

he first the public knew about the Sheppey Pirates was an appeal in the Sheerness Times Guardian and the Sheppey Gazette on 5 July, 1997. It read: “Wanted: Pirates for Treasure Island” and was a whacky attempt by John Nurden to put the Isle of Sheppey back on the tourist map. In March, 1997, businessman Bill Bishop and John had put together a five-year plan called ‘Selling Sheppey’ to market the Island. The ‘Sheerness Show’ would become ‘Sheppey Pirate Week’, featuring the first World Walking the Plank Championship. A news release seeking a ‘Captain Cutlass’ for Sheppey was issued. It was Adrian Collins, a 28-year-old instrument technician

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from Minster who found himself press-ganged into this role. Even at his work in Kemsley Paper Mill, it was said, “Ade always dressed like a pirate”. His colleagues even called him Son of Blackbeard. Ade was a member of and campaigner for the Monster Raving Loony Party and had been ‘Pirating’ with them for a few years. On Sunday, 17 August, 1997, the stage was set for the World Walking the Plank Championship at Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey. It had been decided to strap a gangplank (scaffolding board) to the side of Neptune’s Jetty at high water so spectators could gather on the beach to witness the display. Donations would be

collected for the RNLI. There had been features appearing in the local press, together with stories in national papers such as the Daily Mail, The Guardian and the Weekly News – in advertising terms, the coverage was worth more than a quarter of a million pounds. The event was a news feature on the BBC, ITN’s Meridian programme and BBC Radio Kent, with the winner being interviewed broadcast on American and Australian radio networks. A second championship committee was formed in 1998 and the Sheppey

Pirates was launched with Ade Collins as Captain. As the event was threatened by logistical problems and bad weather, it was moved in its entirety to Queenborough Harbour. By the third year, there were contestants from Denmark, France and the USA. A film crew from Japan turned up and even insisted its presenter take part! During this year, some of those taking part began to investigate authentic piracy – its history, customs, weapons and clothing. The fourth battle of the plank dawned on Sunday, August 13, 2000, with a Junior Pirates Day and water-fight at Barton’s Point Coastal Park. Captain Cutlass was even named in The Sun newspaper’s top ten

list of UK oddballs in 2001 under the headline ‘Cream of Crackers’. The crew were joined by the giant six-foot tall Sheppey Amazon girls Vulcano, Flame and White Water. One (June Collins) was later to change her name to Skavenger and then Anne Bonny and went on to become Mrs Cutlass! They borrowed a 50 ft long ship, the ‘Salty Sea Pig’ (real name the ’White Dolphin) for the sixth championships in 2002. It was a replica 17th Century ship, built by Graham Martin, but by then owned by Simon Mowat. In 2006, she was replaced by stand-in ship ‘Edith’. The ‘Pig’ was stranded on the River Medway in 2009 and was succeeded by the retired Dutch-built tug ‘Sir Hendrik’. The Sheppey’s joined in as authentically-dressed pirates with other crews at the South West Pirate Festival run by Ed Fox and

On Sunday, 17 August, 1997, the stage was set for the World Walking the Plank Championship at Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey his crew ‘Bonaventure’, which was formed in 2003. This was held at Morwellan Quay, Devon, and by then the Sheppey’s were using their own cannon! It was at this event in 2006 that Captain Ade proposed to June, who happily said, “yes”. Later, the Sheppey’s joined in with other crews at the Brixham Pirate Festival, fighting on the ‘Golden Hind’ replica in the town’s harbour, and forming strong links with the Colchester Historical Re-enactment Society,

‘The Sea Wolves’ (later becoming ‘The Greyhounds of St Edmund’) and meeting Paul Winter of a group called Black Flag, who was to found the wellrespected River Rogues. The Sheppey’s also attended events at HMS Endeavour of Captain James Cook fame in Stockton on Tees and at Fort Amherst in Kent. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was released in the UK on 8 August, 2003. This increased the public’s interest in pirates and their role in the history of those times, so a new feature at many events from then on was the appearance of ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ and other cosplayers representing the crews of what was to become a highly successful series of films in the Disney franchise. Today’s Sheppey Pirates have become much more of a living history group, wearing reproduction period clothing, recounting tales of real-

life pirates, demonstrating navigation, sword-fighting, boarding pike, musket drill and firing pistols, blunderbusses, grenade launchers and, of course, cannon. Often portraying a Careening Camp to scrape the barnacles off, borrowing locals’ tents to stay dry. The public attending our events expect to see certain things like Tricorns (Cocked hats), so you will see some being worn, but the Sheppey’s do try and keep it as authentic as possible. The Walking the Plank Championship needed help to cover the insurance and the event was rescued by Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame of Faversham, in 2004 and by the Isle of Sheppey Round Table in 20025 and 2007. The 13th and final plankwalk was held on Sunday, 15 August, 2010. During the event, disrespectful teenagers were reported to the police for trespassing over moored boats and, subsequently, some of the land needed for any future event became unavailable. There were also reports of eggs being thrown at the

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lifeboat crews, which led to a decision to pull the plug on one of Sheppey’s most popular attractions. The Pirates’ Invasion and water-fight kept getting bigger and when the plankwalking was finally abandoned after the disappointing behaviour in 2010, it became Sheppey’s number one attraction, with thousands flocking to Barton’s Point to meet the pirates, get soaked and listen to live bands. The pirates were soon billing it as ‘probably’ the world’s biggest water-fight. Free open-air films began to be shown on the Friday night. Legoland launched the Pirates of the Caribbean Lego range in 2011 and the Sheppey’s had a big enough membership to provide a crew of 60, adding some excitement to the whole two weeks of the promotion. That same year, they were invited to the launch of the William Kidd exhibition at the London Docklands Museum. During the last few years, Brixham Pirate Festival, Military Odyssey and the Harwich International Shanty Festival (via the River Rogues) had become regular fixtures before Covid-19 put paid to events. The crew also made occasional forays to Whitby Pirate Festival, including an

Top: June Collins of Sheppey Pirates can parry any thrust (picture courtesy of James Hughes). Centre: All at sea with the brave crew of the Sheppey Pirates (picture courtesy of James (Obi Ron) Medhurst). Bottom: Miss Sheppey was one of the contestants in the first World Plank Walking Championships.

unscheduled invasion of the Abbey. At the Kent Showground, Detling, the Sheppey’s would sometimes substitute as French irregulars when the French Napoleonic forces failed to attend. On one occasion, the fleet of foot and quick

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thinking ‘Earl’ and ‘Lucky’ from the crew flummoxed the British ranks by running between the two formations and dropped to the floor as they then fired on each other. In another battle James, ‘Skelly’ and ‘Lucky’ held the British at bay with a large

fence rail. Sometimes, the crew also raided the Viking encampment for fun, once temporarily capturing their longship. In 2018, the fund-raising water-fight for charity had to be abandoned when the Barton’s Point venue organiser cancelled at the last minute, stating that the event had become “too big” for her. The crew moved their living history camp that year to the Sheppey Rugby Club, where there were, unfortunately, no water games, but plenty of live bands and the everpopular ‘Beat the pirate’. Sheppey Pirates are a crew with a big heart and often team up to work with other re-enactment groups, notably the 79th Cameron Highlanders, Hearts of Oak, King’s German Legion, Miquelets de Catalunya, River Rogues, Sea Fencibles, Tempus Experimenta and the Wimborne Militia. They will return to Brixham after restrictions have ended and in 2021, they plan to attend the Military Odyssey at Detling and the Shanty Festival in Harwich. Meanwhile, some of the crew are volunteering to help renovate the site at Fort Amhurst when conditions allow. *Information supplied by Sea Scribe John Nurden (Scurvy Dog) and Captain Ade Collins (Captain Cutlass). Material collated and edited by crew member Mark Jenkins (Mad Dog).

Pirate shoes on a shoestring By Merlin Blencowe*

ootwear is often the last item of a pirate costume that receives any attention and it’s easy to see why. Authentic, reproduction historical footwear can be eyewateringly expensive, while being not particularly glamorous or even comfortable to wear. There is also very little choice in children’s sizes, and traditional leather soles can be a real slip hazard in wet conditions. Pirates have become associated with buckettop boots, but this has more to do with Hollywood than with history. It’s true that cavaliers and some

fishermen did wear such boots, but for the most part pirates were low-status folk, who wore ordinary shoes like everyone else (when they weren’t barefoot, that is). Here then, is a very easy way to create a pair of authentic-looking shoes for Golden Age of Piracy re-enactment, using a cheap pair of modern shoes. For most of the 17th and early 18th centuries, the common sort of footwear was the latchet shoe, some of which were quite similar in construction to a modern pair of desert boots! You can find these classic tancoloured boots in any

An original example of a 17th century latchet shoe.

shoe shop and they often turn up in charity shops too. I bought a pair on sale for only £6. Most are made from soft, thin leather, which can be cut easily by ‘sawing’ with a sharp craft knife. To turn them into latchet shoes, all you need to do is cut away a portion of the leather from each side of the shoe, as shown in the picture. This creates a sort of ‘window’ on each side and leaves a single pair of holes for lacing. If your desert boots are rather high, then you may also want to trim away some of the material around the ankles.

I applied a fair amount of ‘dirt’ to my shoes with instant coffee, shoe polish and wood ash to disguise the stich holes where the leather has been cut away and hide the manufacturer’s embossed logo. The result was a pair of convincing historical shoes that are comfortable and safe to wear, and so cheap you won’t care when you ruin them! *Previously a volunteer on the tall ship ‘Zebu’, which was sadly wrecked of Holyhead Breakwater in May this year, Merlin has recently applied to join the Liverpool-based Gunpowder Pirates.

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August 2021 cc Pirate Pirate Plunder Plunder May 2019 09/07/2019

06:47

St Ives group on Channel 5 show

ollowing their recent appearance on Susan Calman’s Grand Week by the Sea on Channel 5, shanty group Bamaluz Bootleggers are now booked to perform at the St Ives September Festival. During the programme, the Bootleggers performed their own take on ‘Hevva’ by Tir ha Tavas, the duo of Dave and Delia Brotherton, who are also based in St Ives. The mixed voice group, named after a small beach in St Ives, was formed in January, 2015, as an off-shoot of the Town Band to perform sea shanties and Cornish folk songs. It will take

Susan Calman fronts up the Bamaluz boys and girls at St Ives during her Grand Week by the Sea on Channel 5.

part, together with the Brotherton duo, in St Ives Entertains, a Festival charity event at The Guildhall on

Friday, 17 September, in aid of the St Ives Community Land Trust. Tickets can be

bought online at www. stivesseptemberfestival. co.uk and from tourist information centres throughout Cornwall.

Brian of Holcombe – a shantyman for all seasons Shanty groups have been in the news this Summer, both in the news and on TV travel programmes, but it should be recognised that shantymen (and women) have long played an important role in entertaining crowds at Pirate Festivals, as well as other events, in every season of the year. In addition to wellknown groups, there are also individuals that have turned shanties into their way of life

and Brian of Holcombe from Devon is a doyen of the genre. He is a professional entertainer, who offers organisers of events or parties a very different experience for their visitors or guests, holding any audience spellbound with both his traditional maritime songs and engaging tales of the sea. The shantyman can provide a range of packages to cater for various age groups, number of guests and type of venue. He also

Pirate Plunder Plunder c August c May 2019 2021 16 Pirate

has his own YouTube Channel: www.youtube. com/c/BrianOf HolcombeShantyman Brian has an abiding passion to promote the shanties and sea songs that are such

an important part of Britain’s maritime heritage, which has led him to conduct shanty workshops. He has also participated in team building exercises and is even willing to entertain landlubbers at corporate events where he will welcome delegates and provide nautical entertainment during breaks in proceedings! More information from: www.facebook. com/groups/ shantymenofdevon/

Sea shanties welcome world leaders

hen a group of world leaders, including the US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, arrived for the annual G7 summit at Carbis Bay, Cornwall, from 11-13 June, they did so to the sound of traditional working songs of the sea. Shanties are enjoying a high profile since the success of ‘Soon may the Wellerman come’ on TikTok and given their popularity in Cornwall, it seemed appropriate that two shanty groups were on hand to welcome the British Government’s guests to the county. Standing on the Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth, Bryer’s Boys serenaded onlookers with the song ‘Lamorna’,

Bryer’s Boys

which has been a standard for Cornish folk singers since the ‘60s. The 11-strong ensemble is noted for its trademark style of free harmony to achieve a beautifully sonorous sound. After a BBQ on the beach at Carbis Bay, some of the world’ most powerful men and

their partners gathered around a fire pit to enjoy marshmallows and drink buttered rum while being entertained by Du Hag Owr (Black and Gold in the Cornish language). Formed at a campsite in Portscatho in 2009 when the owners were looking for people to sing sea shanties for tourists,

these shantymen often perform at the Hidden Hut in Portscatho, whose owner, Simon Stallard, had prepared the BBQ for the G7 visitors. He had earlier approached Du Hag Owr to sing and founder Allan Collins was quick to accept what would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Harwich International Shanty Festival October 8-10th 2021 Follow Us On Our Website Or The News Letter, Facebook and Twitter For the Latest News!

August May 2019 2021 c Pirate Plunder

New look for Conwy’s famous pirate emporium

n 1999, Bryan Tunstall (then 22) informed his father, Toby, he was going to set up an enterprise in Conwy, North Wales. The business model was to dress people up in medieval costumes to have their photograph taken and he would also be selling a small range of swords. He managed to find space in the bottom of one of the medieval towers in the town wall directly opposite Conwy Castle, but to say his father wasn’t sure about this venture was an understatement. However, as a teacher, he was able to come down and help during the school holidays and Bank Holiday weekends and trade soon began to grow. Within two years, the opportunity arose to expand into a building next door called Vardre Hall, which meant the business could increase the level of stock it carried. Following this move although with some reluctance, it became necessary to end the practice of photographing visitors in medieval costume as display space was now at a premium – dressing up a family of ten in real chainmail and suits of armour, can be very time-consuming, as well as extremely tiring! Growth continued apace and as the shop’s

The Pirate Brethren are well-catered for with a large range of swords, replica pistols, costumes. And accessories. reputation spread, Bryan was able to begin selling over the internet. A small warehouse was rented and then, after a couple of years, a larger warehouse was needed. The range of products expanded to cater for different historical periods, with Celtic, Greek, Roman and Viking swords, armour and costumes joining the original line of medieval items, as well as replicas of weapons seen in film epics. The Pirate Brethren are also wellcatered for with a large range of swords, replica pistols, costumes. And accessories The business is now one of the largest suppliers of arms and

18 Pirate PiratePlunder Plunderc cAugust May 2019 2021

armour in Europe, with a massive trade side and has supplied film and TV with many items – the latest being the 2020 edition of ‘I’m a Celebrity – get me out of here’. Toby is delighted to admit he was wrong about his son’s venture and this very proud parent enjoys working full-time at the successful emporium in Conwy. During the first lockdown, the shop closed, but the online service continued to operate as it has done throughout the pandemic. In normal times, it is only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so it is difficult to change the layout of the store and

refurbish the displays. The second lockdown provided what was, hopefully, a once-in-alifetime opportunity to carry out a total refit. Work started at the end of January by stripping everything back to the bare walls. Weapons and armour are now displayed to great effect against white planking and other items are shown in dark oak display cabinets illuminated from above by iron candelabra. The complete refit was finished at midnight on the night before re-opening on 1 May – price tags were still being applied by staff at 9.50 a.m. watched by a queue at the door waiting for Vardre Hall to be opened ten minutes later! Now ready to move forward as Covid-19 recedes, the shop extends a welcome to pirates, smugglers and curious tourists to visit this amazing portal to the past in North Wales. More information from www.thepirateshop.co.uk

Pistol and blunderbuss with bayonet

s we go to press, two new, hand-made, historically correct weapons are being offered by Derbyshire Arms Ltd. The first is a small Queen Anne pistol with a barrel, including the tang, of 9.5 inches and an overall length

of 13.5 inches. The term Blunderbuss is derived

Versatile gun baldric A velvet-lined part scabbard on a shoulder strap with an added holster and cap pouch from Darkblade gives pirates a useful option

when boarding a vessel – shoot ‘em first then finish ‘em off with cold steel! The scabbard will fit blades up to a circumference of six inches (150mm) and the holster will hold all of this supplier’s range of standard pistols. The shoulder strap is easy to adjust for length via a buckle on the back. This hand-made scabbard can be supplied in either black or brown leather, with a choice of brass or silver metal fittings. More information from www.darkblade.co.uk

PIRATES

When buying any of the

fine products featured In these pages, I’d be much obliged if ye’d mention

‘Thunderpipe’, and the company has now introduced a version of this weapon that features an attached bayonet. It has a barrel length, including the tang of 17 inches and a bayonet length of 13 inches. More information from www.derbyshirearms.com

from the Dutch word ‘Donderbus’, which literally means

Gin, rum and much more The Summer, 2021, catalogue from Nauticalia runs to 28 pages and its first section on page 2 serves up Speciality Drinks, which include Conker Navy Strength Gin (a donation of £5 goes to the RNLI for every bottle sold), as well as ‘Gunpowder Proof’ Royal Navy Rum, Blue Label and Spiced varieties of Pusser’s Rum. Other sections are: Nautical Décor; Ships in Bottles; Instruments; Lamps, Bells & Clocks; Gifts; Home & Garden;

and Nautical Accessories & Clothing. The final page sets out easy options on how to order and pay. More information from www.nauticalia.com

OLD HARRY’S LOCKER in Swanage, Dorset, for Nautical Curios Antiques and Collectables

Pirate Plunder

Tel: 07961 572032 E-mail: cw1@gmx.co.uk August May 2021 2019 c Pirate Plunder

Unless ye intends to steal a ship or become a mutineer if ye are already on one, then the best course of action is to sign on with one of the active pirate crews listed on these two pages. If retired from a life of piracy, then ye’ve a duty to keep faith with The Brethren by celebrating ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ on 19th September every year! Appledore Pirates

www.facebook.com/app.pirates/ Brixham Buccaneers

www.brixhambuccaneers.co.uk Brixham Pirate Festival

www.brixhampirates.com Brotherhood of the Black

www.brotherhood-of-the-black.co.uk Cambridge Skeleton Crew

www.facebook.com/Cambridge-Skeleton-Pirate-Crew-21145581 05283991/?ref=py_c Coastal Union of Pirates Privateers Aviators & Steampunks

www.facebook.com/groups/564365187654696 Cutthroats, Pirates, Thieves an Fun Lovers

www.facebook.com/groups/626925014509041/permalink/986442898557249

Brixham Pirate Festival

Brotherhood of the Black

Drumskullz

www.facebook.com/drumskullz East Coast Pirates (Whitby)

www.facebook.com/groups/187485482170319 Essex Pirate Society

www.facebook.com/groups/245074562902068 Greyhounds of St Edmund

https://www.facebook.com/groups/156887281148110/members

CUPPAS

Gunpowder Pirates

www.gunpowderpirates.wordpress.com Hastings and Eastbourne Pyrates

www.facebook.com/groups/192667164601226/?fref=nf Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society

www.hgbs.org.uk Heart of the South West

www.brotherhood-of-the-black.co.uk/fullscreen-page/ comp-jb2kqfu4/d3247830-2479-4c4c-9b37-75d6cc43dd1e/9/%3Fi%3D9%26p%3Df1lx9%26s%3Dstyle-jf9xgtpi International Talk Like a Pirate Day

www.talklikeapirate.com Peninsular Pyrates

www.discoverlandguard.org.uk Pirates and Smugglers of the UK

www.facebook.com/groups/1503592149898698/permalink/2941689819422250 Pirates of Poole,

www.piratesofpoole.co.uk Piratical Union of Buccaneers, Corsairs and Associated Trades

www.pubcat.org.uk Plundering Pirates of the North East

www.facebook.com/plunderingpiratesnortheast May 2019 2021 20 Pirate Plunder c August

East Coast Pirates

Purbeck Pirates

www.facebook.com/groups/1224784210899407 River Rogues (Pirate living history re-enactment, Oxford)

www.facebook.com/groups/riverrogues Sheppey Pirates

www.sheppeypirates.co.uk

Heart of the South West

Suffolk Free Company: Pirates

www.suffolkfreecompany.org.uk/piratesuffolks Sully Smugglers

www.sullysmugglers.webs.com The Jolly Rogers Dorset

www.jollyrogersdorset.co.uk

PUBCAT

The Pirate Castle

www.thepiratecastle.org The Pirate Society (University of Sussex)

www.facebook.com/sussexpirates The Pirate’s Rum Bible

www.facebook.com/groups/3461839360611139 The Sea Dragons

www.facebook.com/frank.sharman.79 Tortuga Pirate Crew (Whitby)

www.facebook.com/groups/1573938949517426 Vectis Buccaneers Re-Enactment Society

https://www.facebook.com/Vectis-Buccaneers-Re-enactment-society-499770177437687/?modal=admin_todo_tour Whitby International Pirate Society

www.whitbypirates.co.uk

The Sea Dragons

Vectis Buccaneers

August May 2021 2019 c Pirate Plunder

Where to see pirate action

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calendar, but like the weather, dates may be subject to change, so you are advised to check the forecast with the organiser’s website afore setting sail. The Editor of Pirate Plunder would also be much obliged if those arranging festivals would let him know of any changes to location, duration or even cancellation of their events due to battles with bureaucrats, plagues from Far Cathay or other circumstances beyond their control. Pirate Adventure Zülpich, Germany 13-15 August, 2021

The RumFest ILEC Conference Centre, London 16 October, 2021

Brixham Pirate Festival Brixham, Devon 30 April- 2 May, 2022

St Ives Entertains, St Ives, Cornwall 17 September, 2021

St Ives Shanty Shout St Ives, Cornwall 19-20 November, 2021

Int’l Scurvy Awareness Day All around the Globe 2 May, 2022

Harwich Shanty Festival Harwich, Essex, 8-10 October, 2021

Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Night Hawkhurst, Kent 27 November, 2021

Harry Paye Day Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset 2 July, 2022

Plunder and Give No Quarter

Bag O’ Rags Brixham Pirate Festival

Festivals are a good place for pirates to meet wenches such as this attractive lass pictured at the first Pirate Rendez-vous ( Piraten Abenteuer) held at Zülpich, Germany, in 2019. August 2019 2021 22 Pirate Plunder c May

Luluna Clothing

Metal and Stone

DarkBlade (UK) Ltd

Old Harry’s Locker

Derbyshire Arms Ltd

Pirate Plunder Pens

Harwich Int’l Shanty Festival 17

Professional Pirates

Int’l Pirate Rendez-vous

Rogues’ Armada

The Red Lion

Jamaica Inn

23 2

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24 Pirate Plunder c May 2019

Pirate Plunder August 2021

Articles inside

Trading post

Shantyman

Smugglers’ haunt in Rye

Pirate shoes on a shoestring

Broadside

The Hawkhurst Gang

A big crew with a big heart

Captain’s journal

Scuttlebutt

The pirate who inspired ‘Black Sails’