The Story of Poole (Page 3)

5. Privateers and Pirates

By the beginning of the 15th century Poole was becoming a popular port of embarkation for pilgrims, on their way to the shrine of St. James at Santiago.

There was a great deal of aggravation between England, France and Spain with raids on coastal towns a permanent hazard. The man who led the English reprisals was one Harry Paye. Part privateer, part pirate Harry led raids from Normandy right through to the Bay of Biscay and Finisteerre.

So angry were the Spanish and French that they sent a large fleet to attack Poole, which was un-fortified. After a fierce battle, the gallant men of Poole drove back the raiders using thick doors as shields. However, In spite of this valiant defence the church and town cellars were burnt.

As well as sacking the town, the raiders were looking for Harry Paye who was long gone. They did however find his unfortunate brother whom they killed before setting fire to the town and leaving. Two years later as revenge, Harry Paye captured 120 French vessels laden with iron, salt and lead and brought them triumphantly back as a gift for the valiant men of Poole.

6. The Civil War and the siege of Corfe Castle

Whilst the fishing trade was quietly expanding, elsewhere wider issues were coming to a head as Britain was caught up in the Civil War.

Poole was staunchly Puritan and Parliamentarian and under constant threat of Royalist attack. Wimborne had declared for the King and so had the Bankes family in nearby Corfe Castle.

In the summer of 1643 a 600 strong Parliamentarian army set out from Poole and for six weeks laid siege to the castle. They were unsuccessful and withdrew to help slow the Royalist advance from the newly captured town of Dorchester. This too failed and before long the King had control of all Dorset except Poole and Lyme Regis.

Within three years the fortunes of the Kings army had completely reversed and by early 1645 only Portland and Corfe Castle held out for the King and the men of Poole laid siege once again to Corfe Castle.

This time everyone realised that the cause was lost and in February 1646 a small number of troops infiltrated and took possession of part of the castle. Realising that a full-scale attack was about to be launched by Colonel Bingham's force from Poole the Royalists surrendered.

The following month Parliament voted that Corfe Castle should be raised to the ground and left unfit for defence. The result is the remains we see today which is still one of the most spectacular sights on the Dorset Landscape.

Introduction | Previous | Next

site designed and maintained by david anderson

visitors to this page: 6288