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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Burnham Sailing Club

Address

West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

Telephone
01621 782624

enquiries@burnhamsc.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.
Royal Burnham Yacht Club

Address

The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AU

Telephone
01621 782044

info@rbyc.org.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

This prestigious yacht club overlooks the River Crouch and is open all year 7 days a week. It has an active junior section, an affiliated rowing club and visiting yachtsmen are always welcome.
Salcote Sailing Club

Address

Wharf Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4QY

Telephone
07514 431399

john@saltcote-sailing-club.co.uk

Heybridge

A small club with simple facilities and low membership costs catering for a mix of small craft. Most sailing is informal but several organised events are held each year.
Bradwell Quay Yacht Club

Address

Quay House, Bradwell-On-Sea, CM0 7QX

Telephone
01920 438403

honsec.bqyc@btinternet.com

Bradwell-On-Sea

Our aim is to promote and advance the enjoyment of sailing and in our case that of cruising as we do not have a junior or dinghy section.
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal Walk

Address

The Lock House, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)7712 079764

Heybridge Basin

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Sea-Change Sailing Trust

Address

Sea-Change Sailing Trust, Downs Road Boatyard, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

Telephone
01621840982

judy@seachangesailingtrust.org.uk

Maldon

Sea-Change provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and…
Fambridge Lake

Address

Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

Telephone
07950 435939

fambridgelake@gmail.com

North Fambridge

Fambridge Lake is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching and duck feeding, with a lakeside decking and picnic area.
Marconi Sailing Club

Address

Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7NU

Telephone
01621 772164

info@marconi-sc.org.uk

Southminster

Marconi Sailing Club
Goldhanger Sailing Club

Address

Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

Telephone
01621 788145

secetary@goldhangersailingclub.org.uk

Goldhanger

Goldhanger Sailing Club
Dawn Breaker Charters

Address

Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

Telephone
07760 268168

info@dawnbreakercharters.co.uk

North Fambridge

Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…
Essex Outdoors - Bradwell

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 776256

bradwell@essexoutdoors.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

Essex Outdoors Bradwell is a specialist sailing and power boating centre, providing high quality courses and outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.
Frangipani SUP

Address

Bath Place Wharf, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5GU

Telephone
07597 094233

info@frangipanisup.com

Maldon

Frangipani SUP is a friendly, family run Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board school based in Maldon, Essex. We operate in various locations in Essex including Maldon, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.
Burnham Wharf Heritage Community Interest Company

Address

18 Regents Court Kings Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PP

Telephone
07831686741

john.boyce132@gmail.com

Burnham-On-Crouch

The Burnham Wharf Heritage C.I.C. is a dedicated community interest company with a noble mission: to restore and recover the rich maritime industrial heritage along the Burnham-on-Crouch waterfront. Their tireless efforts ensure that these…
Rowing and Pedalo's at Chigborough

Address

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Telephone
07702244440

chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

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Rowing and Pedalo hire for days out in the summer on the picturesque lake at Chigborough Fisheries. Life jackets must be worn at all times on board.
Tollesbury Cruising Club

Address

Tollesbury Marina, Woodrolfe Rd, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869561

vice.commodore@tollesburycc.co.uk

Tollesbury

Situated in the heart of one of the friendliest marinas on the East Coast facilities at this club include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Essex Outdoors Sailing Experience Days - Bradwell

Address

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

Telephone
01621 776256

onthewater@essexoutdoors.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

Get on the water with Essex Outdoors for a Sailing Experience Day on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings, the choice is yours.…

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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