A Thrilling Recovery from Norwegian Pirates
In 1538, Sir Rowland Hill, along with his business partners Sir Ralph Waryn and William Lock, faced a perilous adventure on the high seas. Their cargo ship, the George Mody, fell victim to a group of Norwegian pirates.
Pirate flag at the Åland Maritime Museum, one of two pirate flags that are considered authentic. The flag is about 200 years old and came to Åland from the North African Mediterranean coast (Creative Commons)
The pirates plundered the ship, seizing its valuable cargo and causing significant financial loss to Hill and his partners. Correspondence between Thomas Thacker and Thomas Cromwell records the incident, noting that the loss amounted to a substantial £10,000.
Adjusted for inflation, this sum is equivalent to approximately £8 million in today’s money(!).
Undeterred, Hill and his partners sought justice. They appealed to Thomas Cromwell, who in turn secured letters from Henry VIII to the kings of Denmark, France, and Scotland, requesting their assistance in locating the plundered ship and its cargo.
The treasure was never recovered—perhaps it became some lovely real estate in the Netherlands; maybe it’s under the sea. If YOU find it, please let us know!
While the ship was eventually recovered, the precious cargo remained lost. The incident serves as a testament to the dangers faced by merchants and sailors during this era and highlights the importance of diplomatic relations in addressing maritime disputes.
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Hill’s survival of this pirate attack demonstrates his resilience and determination.
Despite the financial setback caused by the pirate attack, Sir Rowland Hill remained one of the wealthiest commoners in England. His position of influence and prestige was largely unaffected, and he continued to grow in stature and reputation. Throughout his life, Hill remained dedicated to civic and charitable work, while also actively participating in statecraft. His unwavering commitment to public service and his generous spirit solidified his place as a respected and admired figure in English society.
