In 1778 the last invasion of mainland Britain took place at Whitehaven.
John Paul Jones was a Scot who had learned his seafaring trade in Whitehaven and who would become the founding father of the American navy.
During the Wars of Independence John Paul, now a commander in the Continental Navy, set sail for Europe.
He entered the harbour under cover of night, overpowered the harbour master and spiked the cannons on the harbour wall.
The intention was to set fire to the ships packed tightly into the harbour, but his crew, as all sailors do when they first touch land, went to the nearest pub and weren't seen again until the next morning. And so the invasion fizzled out in an alcoholic haze.
Regards,
Stuart
John Paul Jones was a Scot who had learned his seafaring trade in Whitehaven and who would become the founding father of the American navy.
During the Wars of Independence John Paul, now a commander in the Continental Navy, set sail for Europe.
He entered the harbour under cover of night, overpowered the harbour master and spiked the cannons on the harbour wall.
The intention was to set fire to the ships packed tightly into the harbour, but his crew, as all sailors do when they first touch land, went to the nearest pub and weren't seen again until the next morning. And so the invasion fizzled out in an alcoholic haze.
Regards,
Stuart
