The legendary Harry Paye was a master of making a living from the sea. He sailed these waters in the early 1400s attacking French ships (with the King's permission) and smuggling in foreign goods (without the King's permission). His raiding parties went as far as Cape Finisterre in northern Spain.
But even ruthless Harry – an expert in capturing cargo, kidnapping crews and demanding ransoms – sometimes found himself in sticky situations.
The Pirate Prisoner...
In 1404 Harry was aboard a ship captured by French sailors – Harry’s most fearful enemy. Thrilled to have finally captured Harry, the men went below deck in search of booty. Suddenly, they heard a war-cry. Harry and his fellow prisoners had broken free, attacking the guards and slaying the crew. Paye took charge of two French vessels and, flying the French flag, sailed up the Seine plundering the ships he passed.
What Happened To Harry?...
For years Harry was unstoppable - capturing ships, taking cargo and assaulting sailors. In 1406 the King had words with Harry who had taken a wine vessel owned by a London merchant. But after 1407 there are no more records of Harry’s adventures. On the floor of a church in Kent is a worn memorial brass, reading, ‘Here Lies Harry Paye’. The Poole Pirate seems to have died in 1419.
His memorial in the church says that is is an 'armiger', the latin word of 'Esquire' meaning that he was just below a knight in the social order. So it seems that the fearsome Harry became respectable at last...perhaps after sharing some of his booty with the king...
More adventures on the shore?... Go to the POOLE QUAY trail hotspot between OLD ORCHARD STREET and POOLE QUAY or enter code FISH.
Poole Quay