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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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…
Millbeach Marine Club

Address

Goldhanger Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RA

Telephone
01621 874745

Maldon

Millbeach Marine Club
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.
West Wick Yacht Club

Address

Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

North Fambridge

West Wick Yacht Club organizes both motor and sailing events including club racing, cruising, and social. Members receive a wide range of benefits including local chandler’s discounts, free racing, subsidised events and much more. To find out about…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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,…
Woodup Pool

Address

Woodrolfe Hard, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869039

tollesburypc@btinternet.com

Tollesbury

Woodup Pool open-air lido is a tidal salt water amenity pool with an area of sand at one end. Children should be supervised at all times as there are no lifeguards in attendance. During the summer months a portable toilet is provided.
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.

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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