The following is a true story - a real swashbuckling tale, from the Exe Estuary!

The life and times of John Nutt, pirate

Early life

John Nutt was born in Lympstone circa 1600, at a time when the colonial powers of Europe had just begun to colonise the Americas.

Just two decades before his birth, Sir Walter Raleigh of East Budleigh had been given a royal patent by Elizabeth I to explore Virginia.

As a young man, Nutt arrived in Newfoundland as a gunner on a Dartmouth ship.

Newfoundland is a large island off the east coast of Canada, today home to almost half a million residents of British and Irish descent. Its maritime climate is similar to that of Scotland, with frequent snowfall and fog in the winter, and temperate warm summers.

John Nutt later moved to the island with his family, settling in the town of Torbay.

Piracy

Having put together a small crew, he first seized a small French fishing boat, then two larger vessels - the French had annexed Quebec at the time.

He would go on to build up his crew by giving regular wages and commissions to unemployed sailors and Royal Navy deserters.

He then offered protection to English and French towns in Newfoundland, particularly the Colony of Avalon, in which he and his family had settled, while raiding merchant vessels passing through the Gulf of St. Lawrence (near Newfoundland) and the Irish Sea (between Ireland and Great Britain).

It's a trap!

After several attempts to apprehend him, Nutt became fearful and sought to put his days of piracy behind him.

He asked the Vice Admiral of Devon, John Eliot, for a royal pardon.

Eliot agreed to grant the pardon, on the condition that Nutt pay him £500.

Eliot then betrayed Nutt and had him arrested. Nutt was tried and convicted of piracy, and was about to be hanged before an old friend stepped in to save him...

Deus ex machina/ Saved by the bell!

The Secretary of State at the time was George Calvert, who owned land in Avalon Colony in Newfoundland - the very same place where John Nutt and his family had settled.

Calvert granted Nutt his pardon, together with £100 in compensation.

Vice Admiral Eliot was then tried and convicted of malfeasance in office.

—————

Enjoyed this article? For daily updates on what's happening in Exmouth, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.