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Read about the Pirates of the Flibbertigibbet.

 

A Popular Clan legend is that of the Pirates of Fugmore Bay and its great Colossus.  The location of Fugmore Bay is not known.  Some researchers claim that it was a small island in the Atlantic Ocean just off the trading routes.  Others that it was in the Mediterranean Sea.  The only primary source material on the pirate colony is from the Confession of Myrth MacThoi, who lived in the colony from about 1715-1735 before sailing home to England.  Upon her return, she was arrested and delivered to Newgate Prison where her confession was heard.

From her description, we find that the island itself was actually a caldera of a large volcano which collapsed in on itself, forming a harbor and pleasing island populated with flora and fauna.  Unfortunately, her story does not give a specific location for the haven. The shallow harbor entrance admitted only pirating vessels and not the heavy warships employed by the imperial navies.  The caldera walls were ribbed with defensive guns and herds of sheep to distract attackers.

 

The capstone of the isle's defenses was its great Colossus.  Described by Myrth as "a figger of a man an eighth of a mile in height, loafeing on his back as the MacThoy men are wont."

It was below the Colossus' knees that ships passed into the harbor.  She notes that one could clearly see the Colossus' "pride greeting all comers with the boldest of salootes." Sailors aboard her ship added that during sieges Colossus' "pride" lowered thus blocking entrance.

Fugmore Bay was a financial success for the Clan until after 1718 when the arrival of Governor Woodes Rogers at Nassau signaled the end of what would become known as the Golden Age of Piracy.  In 1726, it was finally forced to close its gates to Nev'r-do-wells.


Last modified: October 01, 2005

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