Harry Paye Pirate Day

Shiver me timbers! Poole goes “full pirate” for this fantastic event on Poole Quay! Harry Paye, a pirate so infamous that he not only get’s his own day but also a section of the Purbecks named after him (namely Old Harry’s Rocks).

It’s organised each year by the Pirates of Poole and BCP Council to raise money for charity and keep the history of Poole town alive, in particular it’s long maritime history. The event begins at midday and goes on until 6PM so come on down in your best pirates gear.

Harry Paye was born around 1360 in a house at the junction of Hill Street and Carters Lane in Poole. He died in 1419. In between, he was a pirate and an adventurer.

From his hometown of Poole, Old Harry sailed the high seas far and wide, searching for plunder, treasure and glory.  He used the town as a base for a range of maritime activities that included the ferrying of pilgrims to Galicia to visit the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in his ship, the Mary.

He intercepted hundreds of French and Spanish ships in the waters off the Dorset coast, and chased hundreds more across the seas in pursuit of their precious cargo. More often than not, Harry caught them. And when he did, he raided their stores for whatever they had – gold, fine wine, exotic food and brought it back to the people of Poole, like the Robin Hood of the high seas.

The event kicks off with a parade of Pirates (pirates on motorbikes included!) followed by live music and a competition for the best dressed junior pirate. The event is enjoyed by thousands of locals and holiday makers alike. Everyone has a great time with loads of fun and entertainment for all the family including pirate games, children’s rides, live history areas, cannon firing and food stalls.