Local Links
The events that took place on and around 23 September 1779 were witnessed by (and affected) the local communities of the Yorkshire Coast from Bridlington to Scarborough. Here are a few connections we have found so far!
Flamborough Chalk Tower – built in 1674 by John Clayton, the tower would have been clearly visible during the battle and possibly used as a navigational point as the “new” Flamborough lighthouse was only opened in 1806.
Scarborough Castle – Unbeknown to Jones at the time, a large merchant fleet laden with essential supplies for the British war effort had left Elsinore in Denmark on 1st September 1779 escorted by two ships of the Royal Navy, HMS Serapis and The Countess of Scarborough.
On Monday, 20th September 1779 the enemy squadron led by Jones was sighted from Scarborough Castle heading south towards Hull. A red flag was hoisted on the headland to warn all shipping.
On the morning of Thursday, 23rd September the merchant fleet and its Royal Naval escorts made landfall off the coast of Whitby and proceeded to sail south. Upon receiving word of this news, the Bailiffs of Scarborough, Messrs William Porrett and Thomas Haggitt, sent a letter by boat to Captain Pearson on HMS Serapis to warn him that a hostile squadron was in the vicinity. The fleet, which by this time was approaching Filey Brigg, was ordered by Pearson to turn back and take refuge under Scarborough Castle and the protection afforded by the South Steel Gun Battery above the harbour.
The prompt actions of the Bailiffs of Scarborough in sending out a warning by boat to Pearson, the hoisting of the red flag above Scarborough Castle and the deterrent effect of the South Steel Gun Battery all played a significant part.
Sewerby Hall
What links Almary Graeme, lady of Sewerby Hall, with the Battle?
Recently, with the help of Janice Smith, curator of Sewerby Hall & Gardens, and working group member, Chrys Mellor, we were able to track down in the Barnsley
Archives a letter from Almary Greame, of Sewerby House (as it was called then) to her brother Spencer Stanhope in West Yorkshire dated 31(?!) September in which she mentions the battle. The letter (see below) also gives us an insight to the family, finances and what life was like then.
It has been transcribed below by our friends at Scarborough Museum for which we are very grateful!
TRANSCRIPT
My Dear Sir,
I fully intended the pleasure of acknowledging your obliging letter this day week but instead of fulfilling those intentions in executions Paul Jones, being full in my view, I got into my carriage took my valuables and flew to York for a few days, was happy to find myself more frightened than hurt As the papers giving you your particulars of Jones’s proceedings shall wave saying any more on that Head. Mr. Graeme bids me to tell you he thinks himself much obliged by the offer made his nephew, but at present my Husband has not resolution sufficient to accept it, as alas my nephew is the only son of your family and his affectionate uncle is so attached to him that he can’t think of exposing him to danger. Was my nephew to determine for himself he would immediately inform you on how happy he should be to accept a Command if your plan was put in execution you may depend on the greatest secrecy. Mr. T W Bosville is abroad. I don’t hear he’s expected to return soon. We propose going to Thorpe in a few days, shall then enquire more particularly about him in order to give you better intelligence. I was sorry to hear of Mr. Cooks’s death, as you are inconvenienced by it, money I find is as difficult to come at in the West as the East, beside 5 Shilling capital you give a premium here Mr. Graeme says he is very sorry to distress you if he can possibly do without it he will only draw one hundred from you which he would be glad to receive your time it’s dues 11 November if convenient for you to pay it, but I hope to hear from you long before such time. My Nephew is at present shooting partridges on the Wolds, he is extremely fond of shooting and furnishes me with plenty of game. He returns to Cambridge the beginning of November. Mr. Graeme joins me in respects and best wishes, believe me Dear Sir, most affectionately yours. A M Graeme
September 31 79
Sewerby
Hunmanby Hall drawn in 1700s
Affidavit of Thomas Berry from North Shields taken by Humphrey Osbaldeston, Esq of Hunmanby Hall in his role as High Sheriff took Affidavits of seven escapees from the Bonhomme Richard who had rowed ashore near Butcher’s Haven, one being Thomas Berry from North Shields.
TRANSCRIPT
EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
The Examination of Thomas Berry born at North Shields, Northhumberland
Taken upon oath before Humphrey Osbaldston Esq., one of his this, 24th day of Sept 1779
Majesty’s Justice of the Peace in and for the said Riding, who says that he was taken about 28 months ago in the Hawke Letter of Marque, & carried into Port L’Orient; in hopes of getting his Liberty he entered 6 months since on board Paul Jones ship Le Bon Homme Richard, of 40 Guns of about 350 men; they sailed from L’Orient about 2 months ago; Their force consisting of Le Bon Homme Ship, and as above the Alliance an American Frigate of 36 guns, the Monsieur of 36 Guns and the Pallas of 32 Guns also the Vengeance brig of 12 guns, and with a cutter of 18 Guns which is supposed to been taken on the Coast of Ireland. They sailed from L’Orient to the Western Coast of Ireland from thence to the North of Scotland where they took a valuable prize, bound to Quebec, laden with Military stores and another prize a Letter of Marque, from Liverpool also two other prizes and several colliers were sunk near Whitby. Jones’s squadron had been six days between Berwick to Humber and his declared intention was to make a descent some where on the Coast; and on Tuesday last ordered all His oars to be muffled and these Boats ready for hoisting out; on Wednesday morning the Alliance and Pallas rejoined Jones; Thursday Even. Off Flambro’ Head about 7 o’clock, They met with East Country Fleet convoyed by a 40 Gun ship and a small ship The 40 Gun Ship engaged Jones alone for 4 hours ‘til Jones’s fire ceased;
Having been several times on fire and very near sinking – He called to the Alliance for assistance which came up and gave this the 40 gun ship Ship’s a broadside which being totally disabled, struck. in Jones’s officers called to the Alliance to hoist out their boats as their Ship was sinking, in one of which this Deponent; six others made their escape to Fyley.
