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 (with some honest laughs to round it out).
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Stone Sailing Club

Address

Tinnocks Lane, St Lawrence, Essex, CM0 7NF

Telephone
01621 779344

contactus@stonesailingclub.org.uk

St Lawrence

Sailing Club on the south side of the Blackwater River offering full dinghy racing programme and cruiser sailing with full social activities plus canoeing.
The Cirdan Sailing Trust

Address

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

Telephone
01621 776684

info@cirdantrust.org

Bradwell-on-Sea

Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
Millbeach Marine Club

Address

Goldhanger Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RA

Telephone
01621 874745

Maldon

Millbeach Marine 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…
Hythe Quay

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 856503

tic@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

For well over a thousand years Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. From the award winning Promenade Park to the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High Street,…
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.
Maldon Gig Rowing Club

Address

Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

info@maldongigclub.org.uk

Maldon

Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.
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.
Maldon Little Ship Club

Address

The Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 854139

secretary@mlsc.org.uk

Maldon

The Club offers a variety of summer sailing programme and winter socials, RYA training courses and moorings. Both novice and experienced boat owners are welcome.
Rowing and Pedalo's at Chigborough

Address

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Telephone
07702244440

chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

Heybridge

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.
Goldhanger Sailing Club

Address

Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

Telephone
01621 788145

secetary@goldhangersailingclub.org.uk

Goldhanger

Goldhanger Sailing Club
Tollesbury Marina

Address

The Yacht harbour, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869202

hm@tollesburymarina.com

Tollesbury

Tollesbury Marina is set in the heart of the East Coast on the mouth of the River Blackwater, gateway to the rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk.
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.
Blackwater Sailing Club

Address

Basin Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4SD

Telephone
01621 853923

secretary@blackwatersailingclub.org.uk

Maldon

A family sailing club situated on the upper reaches of the Blackwater with comprehensive facilities for cruisers and dinghies. Large cadet section. Members' guests welcome and temporary membership available.
Marigold Charters

Address

1 Chandlers Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LF

Telephone
07801 364 135

info@marigoldcharters.co.uk

Maldon

Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.
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.
Fellowship Afloat (FACT)

Address

Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust, The Sail Lofts, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621868113

info@fact.org.uk

Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

Fellowship Afloat's centre is a unique place for adventure, relaxation and exploring the environment.
Based on a converted lightvessel moored on the coast, it's an ideal activity venue for youth clubs, schools, churches, special needs groups and…
Othona Community - Activities

Address

East Hall Farm, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN

Telephone
01621 776564

bradwell@othona.org

Bradwell-on-Sea

Othona Community is an open and inclusive Christian Community offering a choice of themed activities and courses throughout the year, including survival skills, wellbeing and art.
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.
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…

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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