The story of Harry Paye is an interesting one (if you haven’t heard it). He is somewhat of a local legend.
Harry Paye was a seafarer in the 1400s. Described by many as a pilfering pirate; he policed the channel intercepting hundreds of French and Spanish ships; capturing cargo and earning the moniker “Robin Hood of the seas”.
He is described by The Dorset Federation of Women’s Institutes Diamond Jubilee Book, 1977 as:
“One of the boldest and most successful of English pirates of Poole. He was the terror of the Channel.”
Smuggling
The Dorset coast was a lucrative haunt for smugglers and pirates, especially round the town of Poole. The Great Heath reached to Cranborne Chase on one side, and to the New Forest on the other, giving easy escape routes and many hiding places. One such place used for concealment was the tower of Kinson Church. Local residents have said that a parish hearse called a shillibeer was used, until Excise men began to wonder why so many people were dying on the Branksome to Kinson route!
Harry Paye in the archives
The archives paint another picture; in a patent roll dated 3 October 1404 (Henry) Harry Paye was granted a licence to go to sea with
“ships, barges and ballingers of war, men at arms and archers” for the destruction of the King’s enemies and the defence of the realm. (The College of Arms, Aug 1978)
In Henry Pay; The Story of a Noted Poole Worthy (1939), it was stated that his
‘reputation was such that La Cronica de don Pedro Nino, Count de Buelna, described him as being “a knight who scours the seas as a corsair with many ships”’
Harry, or Henry as he is referred to in this document, commanded a fleet escorting the King’s daughter, and her dowry, to marry the Duke of Bavaria. In 1404 he was authorised to fit out privateers to harass the French. Harry undertook official country business for the King. Perhaps more of a privateer than a pirate.
A letter from the College of Arms (Aug 1978) goes on to state that although in the employ of King Henry IV, Harry Paye and his attacks on Spanish and Portuguese ships would have been somewhat embarrassing, especially as the King’s sister, Philippa, was the Queen of Portugal; concluding
‘that it does not appear that he was of sufficient standing to be entitled to (a coat of) Arms. He seems to have been little more than a pirate, albeit a bold and successful one, who was prepared to sell his services to the highest bidder, if it was to his advantage.’
Infamy
Tiring of their ships constantly being looted, the Kings of France and Spain set out on a joint expedition in 1406 to attack and kill the pirate in his hometown of Poole. A battle ensued – the local inhabitants came to the aid of their distinguished townsmen and hurried ‘Arripay,’ as the French called him, away to the friendly heath.
Harry sought revenge, his brother and many others had been killed in the tragedy. Poole was burnt to ashes. An attack was mounted on the French and Spanish fleets as compensation for the tragedy. After his success, the people of Poole were invited to drink the wine, stolen from the invaders. And drink, they did. The whole town was drunk for a month straight!
Poole Pottery Plate Design
Celebrating Harry Paye’s links to Poole, Poole Pottery produced this design for a commemorative plate by Arthur Bradbury 1932.
There is even a pirate day commemorating Harry Paye organised every year by the pirates of Poole and BCP tourism. Taking place on 17 June 2023 it celebrates all things piratey including a parade of pirates, best dressed competition, live history areas, games, and sea shanties.
Connection to Old Harry Rocks
There are various local legends regarding the naming of Old Harry Rocks; one such legend is that ‘Old Harry,’ off the southern most point of Studland Bay is so named after Harry Paye, whose ship hid behind the rocks awaiting passing merchantmen.
[…] the early 14th century, Harry Paye was a notorious pirate based in Poole. Despite his illicit activities, Paye was seen as a hero by […]