Captain Ann Carter

"Captain" Ann Carter, sketch by William Geller

Some say she was a courageous activist, others that she was a common criminal, but the name of “Captain” Ann Carter has certainly gone down in history

Maldon resident Ann Carter was hanged in April 1629 for leading riots that had taken place near Millbeach, Heybridge, a few days before – and her story still divides opinions 400 years later.

The historical records about her life start in 1620, when Ann Barrington, probably part of a local fishing family, married Maldon butcher John Carter in St Peter’s Church (now the Maeldune Heritage Centre). Shortly afterwards she found herself in trouble with the local authorities for non-attendance at church, telling a borough official in 1623 that she would go to church when he supplied someone to do her housework!

She was then recorded as having beaten a court official with a stick when he tried to arrest her husband, and shortly afterwards, in early 1969, she ended up in court for minor infringements of market regulations. But things got a whole lot more serious as the year progressed – against a backdrop of rising prices and serious food shortages that were bringing hard-pressed locals to the brink of starvation.

The issues were caused by a series of poor harvests, combined with the fact that Charles I had sold licences to export grain to Europe, so the hungry folk of Maldon were forced to watch ships laden with grain heading overseas when they were living on scraps. Matters first came to a head on 23 March 1629, when a large crowd of women and children, led by Ann, marched to the wharf at Barrow Marsh, Heybridge, and persuaded sailors guarding grain ships to fill the women’s aprons and caps with the much-needed foodstuff.

On 28 April, Ann and two other local women, Anne Spearman and Elizabeth Sturgeon, appeared in court at the Moot Hall, and confessed to leading the crowd of women and stealing the grain. However, officials were sympathetic, and the women were let off with a warning to stay peaceably at home in the future. If only she had listened, Ann might have lived out her life untroubled by the authorities. Unfortunately for her, she chose not to ignore the suffering she saw around her.

Instead of staying peaceably at home, she round around the local area, as far as Witham, Bocking and Braintree, urging local cloth workers, hit by a trade depression, and others to join the cause. She gave herself the title of Captain and rallied the crowds with the words, “Come my brave lads of Maldon, I will be your leader, for we will not starve.”

In May, nearly 300 rioters, with Ann in the lead, attacked the wharf again, this time carrying away nearly four tonnes of grain, ransacking warehouses and holding ships to ransom. National authorities stepped in, and she was tried by a special commission of the Privy Council and sentenced to hang, along with three men, the next day, probably in Chelmsford.

The fact that she called herself Captain probably led to her death, with the courts saying that by taking a man’s title she had lost the usual protection of having her husband held accountable for her actions. Was she a feminist icon? An activist against poverty? Or just a violent rioter with no regard for the law? You be the judge…

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The Beach House Bar - Mill Beach Resort

The Beach House Bar is perched on the sea wall between the Mill Beach Seaside Resort and the Blackwater estuary. It is open to the public as well as caravan owners and has a lovely decking area to enjoy the view. Public access is via the footpath from Heybridge Basin (a half-hour stroll), or you can book a table and a parking space to use while you are in the venue by phoning ahead. The Beach House serves food at breakfast, lunch and dinner, alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks, cakes, scones and hot drinks.
The Moot Hall

This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.
The Maeldune Heritage Centre

The Maeldune Heritage Centre, set in the beautiful old St Peter's Church, is one of Maldon's most fascinating visitor attractions, mixing local history, temporary art and craft exhibitions, tourism information and the permanent home of the incredible 42ft long Maldon Embroidery. The Centre has a Sensory Access Charter Mark for its work in improving access for people with sight and/or hearing impairments.
Maldon Ghost Walk

Walking tours filled with ghoulish tales and tantalising tidbits of history (mostly of the gruesome variety).
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Essex Outdoors Sailing Experience Days - Bradwell

Address

Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

Telephone
01621 776256

onthewater@essexoutdoors.com

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01621 855058

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Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.
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Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

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Bradwell Marina, Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7RB

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Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

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Some say she was a courageous activist, others that she was a common criminal, but the name of “Captain” Ann Carter has certainly gone down in history

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