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…

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

What's On Search

Food & Drink Search

Walk in her footsteps...

Inspiration

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).

Number of results: 35

, currently showing 21 to 35.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Essex Outdoors Powerboat 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 and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat 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…
North Fambridge Yacht Club

Address

Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6LR

Telephone
01621 740370

info@northfambridgeyachtclub.co.uk

North Fambridge

The North Fambridge Yacht Club was established in 1898 by founder member Francis B. Cooke and is set in a beautiful, peaceful and picture perfect location approximately 11 miles inland on the River Crouch at North Fambridge Yacht Station. The club…
Royal Corinthian Yacht Club

Address

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

Telephone
01621 782105

info@royalcorinthian.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Architecturally listed yacht club offering magnificent views of the River Crouch. Racing for day boats and dinghies, training for cadets and optimists - strong Junior Club. Large restaurant and bar with terrace. Visiting yachtsmen welcome.
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,…
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.
Marconi Sailing Club

Address

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

Telephone
01621 772164

info@marconi-sc.org.uk

Southminster

Marconi Sailing Club
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.
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…
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…
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 Yacht Club

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 9EB

Telephone
01621 856895

info@maldonyc.org.uk

Maldon

Established in 1949 the MYC is a small but thriving sailing club situated at the end of the promenade opposite Byrhtnoth. The Clubhouse is a converted barge which provides a galley, bar, changing rooms and a clubroom.
Burnham Quay

Address

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

Telephone
01621 784785

TIC@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Millbeach Marine Club

Address

Goldhanger Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RA

Telephone
01621 874745

Maldon

Millbeach Marine Club
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…
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.

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

Inspiration

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone