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William Thompsons fight off Poole, Dorset, 30 May 1695
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William Thompsons fight off Poole, Dorset, 30 May 1695
William Thompsons fight off Poole, Dorset, 30 May 1695. Thompson was a local fisherman whose fishing boat was fired on by a French privateer near the Isle of Purbeck. Although outnumbered 3 to 16, and with few weapons, he defended himself bravely for two hours, and wounded some of the French aggressors. The French ship finally got into difficulties and Thompson took control, sailed her into Poole and received a reward from the Lords of the Admiralty. Date: 1695
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Media ID 23463066
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1690s 1695 Attack Attacking Brave Courage Defence Defending Dorset Fight Firing Fisherman Isle Outnumbered Poole Privateer Purbeck Reward Rough Sloop Thompson Waves
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William Thompson's Heroic Defiance: A 17th Century Tale of Bravery from Poole, Dorset Amidst the tumultuous waves of Poole Harbour, Dorset, in the late 17th century, a local fisherman named William Thompson found himself in an extraordinary situation. As he went about his daily work on May 30, 1695, Thompson's fishing boat was suddenly targeted by a French privateer, an unwelcome intrusion in the otherwise tranquil English waters. Outnumbered 3 to 16 and with few weapons at his disposal, Thompson's initial reaction was one of defiance. For two hours, the intrepid fisherman bravely fought off the attacking French sailors, managing to wound some of them in the fierce skirmish. The smoke from the guns filled the air, as the rough seas threatened to capsize Thompson's small vessel. Despite the odds being heavily stacked against him, Thompson's courage and determination paid off. The French sloop, now in distress, was taken under Thompson's command. With newfound resolve, he skillfully navigated the captured ship into the safety of Poole Harbour. Upon arrival, Thompson was hailed as a local hero. His daring actions did not go unnoticed, and he was duly rewarded by the Lords of the Admiralty for his bravery and quick thinking. This remarkable event, which took place in the 1690s, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Poole, Dorset, during a time when the English Channel was a hotbed of maritime conflict. This image, taken from the archives of Mary Evans Prints Online, immortalizes the heroic tale of William Thompson and his fight against the French privateer off the coast of Poole, Dorset, on May 30, 1695.
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