Harry Paye

Henry Paye (also known as Harry Paye) was a commander of the Cinque Ports fleet and privateer from Poole, Dorset in the late 14th and early 15th century.

Paye led raids along the coast of France and Spain from Normandy through to the Bay of Biscay and Cape Finisterre. During one expedition in 1406 he captured 120 French prizes laden with iron, salt and oil from the coast of Bretagne. Paye also burnt Gijon and Finisterra to the ground taking many prisoners and exacting ransoms and in 1398 he stole the crucifix from the Church of Saint Mary in Finisterra which was famous as being the holiest relic in that part of Spain.cite book | last = Sydenham | first = John | title = The History of the Town and County of Poole | publisher = Poole Historical Trust | year = 1986 | isbn = 0950491446 | pages = 90-95 | accessdate = 2008-08-27] Paye also helped quell the Welsh revolts brought about by Owain Glyndŵr, defeating a French fleet sent to aid the revolts. [cite book | author = Robert Southey | title = The British Admirals: With an Introductory View of the Naval History of England | publisher = Longman | year = 1833 | pages = 15 | accessdate = 2008-08-27]

In 1405 a combined fleet of French and Spanish ships attacked Paye's native town of Poole in retaliation for Paye’s exploits. The attackers looted arms and stores and set fire to a warehouse before they were driven back to their ships by the townspeople. Although Paye was not present in Poole during the raid, his brother was amongst those that were killed.cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 3) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story3.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-23 ]

Paye used to stand above the cliffs at Ballard Down waving a white lantern. This was done to lure French and Spanish ships on to the rocks as they believed they were in fact following the stern navigation light of another vessel.fact|date = August 2008

The exploits of the Paye are celebrated in the annual "Harry Paye Charity Fun Day" parade in Poole every June. [cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2258111.0.the_big_payeback.php | title = The Big Paye-back | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-08-27]

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