Studland Beach Pirates and Smugglers - Dorset, UK - Pirates on Waymarking.com

There is a small description on this information board about Studland Beach and the pirates. The coastline here used to be wild and ideal for landing boats to unload their contraband. Studland Beach with its gently sloping sand made the smuggling and piracy landings quick to perform.

One famous pirate known to have used these shores is the medieval pirate Henry (Harry) Paye. He was a notorious privateer who plundered over 100 French and Spanish ships. He towed them into Poole Harbour to claim his booty. The French retaliated in 1405, attacking, raiding and fighting in Poole Harbour but they had to retreat and the pirates continued to plunder. Harry was known to the Spanish as 'Arripay' and he was especially active on the north coast of Spain. There is a picture of him in the gallery.

Smuggling and Piracy is detailed in the Poole Museum nearby. Smugglers were determined to avoid taxes and duties and they were devious in their activities, digging tunnels under the towns and sheltering in isolated inlets. Isaac Gulliver frequented these shores and carried a band of 40-50 armed men on his ships. The 18th and 19th century saw smuggling become very popular.

Site Description: Information Board Date of Pirate Activity (Estimated): Medieval Period Reference Web-link or Book Title: http://www.thepurbecks.co.uk/ Site Admission (If needed): No Charge if on Foot, Charge for the Car Park if not a National Trust Member Hours Available (If needed): Anytime Additional Information (optional): http://www.history-tourist.com/V2//poole_S0139.html

Visit Instructions:
Please provide a description and photo of your visit.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.