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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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.
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Address

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

Telephone
01621 784785

TIC@maldon.gov.uk

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Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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Address

Goldhanger Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RA

Telephone
01621 874745

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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.
Hythe Quay

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 856503

tic@maldon.gov.uk

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

Telephone
01621 776256

onthewater@essexoutdoors.com

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Telephone
07704 607 964

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Wharf Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4QY

Telephone
07514 431399

john@saltcote-sailing-club.co.uk

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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.
Stone Sailing Club

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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.
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Address

Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6LR

Telephone
01621 740370

info@northfambridgeyachtclub.co.uk

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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…
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Telephone
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Address

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

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

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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.
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Address

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

Telephone
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Address

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

Telephone
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Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

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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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