Pirates to storm Abbey site over holiday weekend

Pirates have been seen as romantic figures since the 17th century – and visitors will get a chance to come face-to-face with some of the most feared pirates of the seven seas, from Blackbeard to one of the most famous female pirates, Mary Read.

The event is for all the family, with duelling pirates and smugglers wandering around the Abbey site all weekend, puppet shows and open-air theatre performances of the pirate classic, Treasure Island.

The musical adaptation tells the story of young Jim Hawkins as he set sail on the Hispaniola in search of buried treasure. Pirates, armed with cutlasses and swords will demonstrate their fighting skills.

The event culminates in a skirmish between the pirates and their mortal enemies, the Royal Marines, at 3pm each day, with plenty of musket shooting, sword fighting and cannon fire to recreate the sounds of an 18th century conflict.

Visitors will also have the chance to hear about the punishment awaiting pirates if they got caught, courtesy of executioner, Thomas Turlis.

"Piracy was often something that sailors fell into, rather than choosing a life of crime, sailors with a penchant for gambling, drinking and fighting soon gained a lawless reputation, and indeed, some may have believe themselves to be acting perfectly legally when they attacked ships belonging to nations at war with England," explained Jon Hogan, English Heritage's regional events manager.

"In fact, with international politics changing frequently, and no system of notifying ships at sea when an enemy has become an ally, it was easy to mistake friend for foe and a legal 'privateering' attack to turn into piracy."

Visitors can wander around living history encampments, listening to presentations about life on board a ship, watching the Royal Marines as they practice drill and musket firing, and see the pirates honing their skills with cutlasses.

Children can also enjoy hands-on craft activities and dressing up in a Time Travellers' Big Top, the organisers say.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm each day with Whitby Abbey itself additionally open from 10am to 6pm.

Admission prices are 5.80 for adults, 4.90 for concessions and 2.90 for children, or 14.50 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) but English Heritage members get in free. There is an additional 1 admission per child (member and non-member).

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