“She knew that this was happiness, this was living as she had always wished to live.”
Daphne du Maurier, Frenchman’s Creek
The setting: Cornwall, England in the 16th century.
The players: Sir John and Lady Elizabeth Killigrew
The plot: Lady Elizabeth vs. Queen Elizabeth I
The Killigrews were rich members of the English aristocracy. In their spare time, they were pirates who used their distinctive coastal location to operate as outlaws. From their prestigious home, Arwenack House, which overlooked Falmouth Harbour, Sir John directed fleets of pirates. Even Queen Elizabeth I kept her distance, turning a blind eye to their family business on the condition that they never bothered anyone who had her ear.
The Spanish ship, Marie of San Sebastian, was caught in a tempestuous gale one fateful day in 1581. The crew barely managed to navigate the ship to safety in Falmouth harbour. The Killigrews, observing the storm battered ship, rushed to their assistance. They magnanimously offered the captain and his first mate all the comforts of their home. Indulged by Lady Elizabeth’s hospitality, the captain decided to prolong their stay for a few days.
Meanwhile, Lady Elizabeth was assessing the ship and its contents to determine whether it was worth looting. Yes indeed, it was! She set her plan into action. One evening, while Sir John entertained their guests, Lady Elizabeth rounded up her staff, which doubled as her pirate crew, and led them down a secret tunnel that connected the house to the shore. The noise of the gale force winds allowed them to take the ship and unload the cargo. Lady Elizabeth returned home while her pirates sailed the ship out of sight. The operation took less than two hours. The Spaniards suspected the Killigrews, but no one could prove anything. The Queen overlooked this episode.
The Queen did not overlook the 1582 incident, however, involving the German merchant ship loaded with gold, silver, and jewels. Lady Elizabeth could not resist the temptation. How was she to know that the Germans had close ties to Queen Elizabeth I? The fury of a Queen came down on Lady Elizabeth. Alas, she was to be hanged.
There is a happy ending. The Queen changed her mind. The sentence was changed to imprisonment. And before long, Lady Elizabeth was set free. She rejoined her husband at Arwenack House. Whether they continued their pirate ways, is unknown. One thing is certain; her legend still lives on…
“This is our day, our moment, the sun belongs to us, and the wind, and the sea, and the men for’ard there singing on the deck. This day is forever a day to be held and cherished, because in it we shall have lived, and loved, and nothing else matters but that in this world of our own making to which we have escaped.”
Daphne du Maurier, Frenchman’s Creek
Lady Budd 
Do you know if this story has ever been made into a book or movie? It’s very exciting and adventurous…
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I don’t know, but will investigate further. I can’t believe that this story has not been put into a book or movie. Have you every read Frenchmen’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier. It is all about pirates but without the negative aspects. A love story with a rather unusual ending. 🙂
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Frenchmen’s Creek; oh that is a book from my past. Maybe it is time to reread it.
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You and me both! I think I would appreciate more now than when first read it! Goes along with Jamaica Inn so very nicely!
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http://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/item/show/763651037_pirates_love_underpants
Just been reading our local library blog. This is one of their new picture books. Thought it might give you a giggle.
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This is just fantastic! In the end, we are drawn to the pure adventure. And the greatest adventures can be found at the public library. Thank you so much!! 🙂
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I suspect the Spanish in the story had a negative aspect 🙂
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It seemed that these were ordinary Spanish merchants who were unfortunate to land in the harbour where Lady Killigrew happened to live. She loved being rich!
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she sounds like one of my relatives 🙂
I saw this quote on someone’s blog and thought you might appreciate it:
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~Lao Tzu
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You always make me laugh out loud. It is a beautiful quote that makes life an extraordinary adventure – and that it exactly what it should be. 🙂 Thank you!!
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Great tipp, I love female pirates, I have ordered the book now. 🙂 Thanks, Rebecca!
Have a lovely Weekend.
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You will love the narrative – it deals with love in so many ways. That sometimes the choices are not that easy. That the aging process gives maturity. Love your visits!
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Very interesting story, loved every word.
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I am so glad that you enjoyed the read! Thanks for your comments! 🙂
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Love the story, Rebecca. I’m so glad Lady Elizabeth didn’t rot in jail. 🙂
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Me too! I don’t think that she was one to “learn her lesson” during her incarceration. I rather think her spirit remained adventurous. 🙂
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