The Sussex Smuggler

  In "Sir Martin Frobisher" by Taliesin Trow, readers are treated to a captivating exploration of the life and exploits of a lesser-known Elizabethan privateer, often overshadowed by the renowned Francis Drake. Trow skillfully brings to light the remarkable story of Sir Martin Frobisher, a man with a short temper and an indomitable spirit that left an indelible mark on the annals of maritime history. One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to resurrect Frobisher from the shadows of history, portraying him not merely as a contemporary of Drake, but as a distinct and fascinating character in his own right. Trow delves into the intricate details of Frobisher's life, providing readers with a comprehensive account of his endeavours and contributions to Elizabethan England. At the heart of the narrative is Frobisher's audacious exploration of the elusive Northwest Passage. The author skillfully navigates through the challenges and triumphs of these perilous jour

 Who was Captain Jack Sparrow ? This is a subject that has often entered my mind after watching an entertaining film such as Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails. I often wondered who film producers used to inspire their characters. Black Sails is a mix of fact and fiction, a interwoven blend of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson and the Golden Age of Piracy researched and described by Colin Woodward in T he Republic of Pirates. However, what of Captain Jack Sparrow. Readers maybe surprised to learn that piracy took place every where in the world with many notable characters to speak off.  "The Greatest Scounderal that sailed from England" - of Captain John Ward by Sir Henry Wotton 1608. Hollywood would only have us focus on the lush Islands of the West Indies. With the 17th century Buccaneers being used in the same breadth as their redundant sailors the pirates on the Golden age of piracy  of the 18th century with a cross over of Privateers spanning centuries and