THE VILLAGE HEROINE

This article was first published in the Dartmouth Chronicle in 1824 and was re-published in December 1964

On November 26th, 1824, in a raging storm, the look-out on Froward Point, seeing a large vessel, partly dismasted, trying to make harbour, ran into the village, thundering,“A wreak, a wreak, great distress”. This alerted Mr Hamilton, the chief pilot, who made for Collin’s Quay, (adjacent to R.D.Y.C.) where villagers, prepared to risk their lives for others, had assembled. Phil Farley, blacksmith, Tom Avis, shipbuilder, Phil Narcombe, tailor, Will Smith, coffin maker, and Tom Short, builder. But there was one missing –Nancy Tarran* – second in command and superb oarswoman. This was not surprising, as three weeks previously, she had given birth to a baby, but she soon came hurrying down Kittery stairs, (today in Kittery Court grounds) buttoning up her oil-skins.

Soon, Kingswear’s six oared pilot gig “Fly” was launched, and proceeded seaward against a ferocious gale, during which, the Dartmouth gig’ “Dart” overturned* – but all aboard were saved. Soon, “Fly” reached the vessel, a large Newcastle Brig, “Atalanta” in from Brazil, but she was flying the dreaded yellow flag, known to seamen as the “Yellow Duster”. This denoted disease was aboard, so they cautiously approached and hailed for a rope ladder to be thrown, and eventually a sick seaman appeared and stated the captain was dead, his wife was ill, and there was disease among the crew, then he just managed to drop a ladder over the side. Now countrywide, the fear of plague and disease meant strict rules governed diseased ships – and breaking them carried the death sentence,. The basic rule was that no one should go aboard, other than those legally appointed (quarantine laws only allowed the pilot and doctor aboard) Mr Hamilton and the doctor clambered aboard and when they returned they would be isolated and fumigated. Mr Hamilton was to guide the diseased ship to an isolated place at Noss Point, under guns of H.M.S. Howe. He hardly had taken position, when to his anger, Nancy appeared on board Atalanta, and he furiously shouted “How dare you disobey and break the laws of your country, you will be arrested and hung”. Nancy replied, she was sorry to offend, but considered the laws of God before the laws of the country, and proceeded to minister to the crew, one of whom was dying, then proceeded to the state-room, to help the captain’s wife.

The Atalanta now entered the harbour, and people watched as she approached her station under the guns of H.M.S. Howe. Immediately, Mr Hamilton, the duty officer, had to report the disobedience of his second officer, Mrs Tarran for boarding the fever ridden ship, violating the country’s and the King’s laws. The naval officer ordered she be placed under arrest, and not leave the Atalanta – if she tried to escape, she was to be shot.

Meanwhile, Mr Hamilton was censured for allowing her to board the stricken ship, while Nancy asked if she could be allowed her newly born baby on board Atalanta, as her conscience acquitted her.

In due course, the doctor came aboard. Thanks to Nancy, things had improved, one sailor had died, but the rest of the crew were making progress, and Mrs Turnbull, the captain’s wife was recovering. Authority was given for Nancy’s baby to join her – and Commander Upright, H.M.S. Howe’s chief officer, drew alongside in a smart Gig, demanded her presence and read the sentence.

In the name, of his most gracious majesty, King George, the Fourth, I command you,Nancy Tarran, wife of Thomas Tarran, of the Parish of Kingswear, before me, Francis Augustus Upright, to answer the charges made by Charles Hamilton, that you boarded the “Atalanta” against orders of your superior officer”. I command you to be arrested, the penalty for breaking the law being that you be hanged from the yard arm of his Majestys Guard Ship “Howe” or shot by firearm, of your choice, till you, the said Nancy Tarran, be dead. God Save the King!”

The guard-ship gig then approached the stricken ship, Nancy’s baby was gently thrust into her arms, then the gig pulled aback, to allow Nancy’s husband, Thomas to address her. He gently rebuked her for leaving her family, but in response Nancy said she had no regrets in doing God’s Will, and as the “Fly” had nearly overturned, her skills in righting her had been needed.

The gig then departed, and Nancy, with her baby on board the Atalanta, joined the captain’s sick wife, both women in tears, Mrs Turnbull, (the late captains wife) bitterly regretting they were the innocent cause of Nancy’s predicament. Meanwhile, there was much grief in the village, for Nancy was well liked, so a petition was made, signed by everyone and presented to Governor Arthur Howe Holdsworth, the local M.P, who lived in Kingswear, at Brookcliff, (just below the present day Brookhill). With his London associations, he progressed the petition through the Government, onward to the King.

Feeling in the village was strong, and the Ladies decided that if the reply was unfavourable, they would go to London to plead with the Queen for Nancy’s life. Mrs Turnbull, also wrote to King George, pleading clemency.

Two weeks after these the tragic events, all aboard the “Atalanta” had fully recovered, thanks to Nancy’s sacrifice. The guard-ship’s gig again approached with the Port Doctor and the guard-ship commander aboard, who demanded the chief officer and crew of the“Atalanta “ together with Mrs Tarran, should assemble forthwith.

He then read out, that, after fourteen days of observation, and convalescence all were now declared free from the contagion of fever and disease, and as officer in charge,
“I announce you thereon, are free from quarantine. God Save the King!”

He then demanded Nancy come forward, (which she did with her child in her arms), and made the following declaration. “Nancy Tarran, you have been found guilty of a great crime, in disobeying the country‟s Quarantine Laws, and that of your superior officer, the punishment for which is death, or transportation. However, I have this day received from His Majesty‟s Government, a dispatch stating that in consideration of all the petitions seeking clemency, signed by all of Kingswear „s inhabitants, His Majesty‟s Branch Pilot, Mr Hamilton, and his crew, and the officer and crew of the “Atalanta” – and in consideration of your known bravery and skill in handling the management of the boat in that fearful gale, when you proceeded to the rescue of the Brig “Atalanta” and her crew, who were in great danger as the ship was in a wreaked condition, which resulted in, both the ship and crew being saved. Also, believing you were animated by humanity, and regardless of the consequences, you administered to the comfort of the crew stricken by fever. Therefore, His Majesty has been graciously pleased to order your release and forgive your offence. I further take the opportunity to warn you as to future conduct. God Save the King!”.

Nancy had received King George IV’s Pardon. Then her husband and all the villagers gathered at Passage Slip to welcome her home. First was Charles Hamilton, Chief Pilot, who bitterly regretted having had to report her, and declared she was “The bravest of the Brave”, and evermore, would be known as “The Village Heroine”.

A few days later, a gig with the ships officer, Mr Lovegrove and a smartly dressed lady landed at Old Kittery, on the ferry slip, and enquired of Mrs Tarran’s dwelling. Then, with a young boy leading, they proceeded out of the square, up the new road, then up French Mill Hill, passing the church on the left. Then turning “out-long” passed the home of Mr Geack, the schoolmaster, then proceeded along the lane, (today, Beacon Rd) to the two cottages, opposite Kittery steps. One was the home of Mrs Marchant, head of the Dames school, the other, Nancy’s home.

Here a joyful reunion took place, with Mrs Turnbull, embracing Nancy and expressing her thanks and gratitude for her bravery, in nursing her and the ship’s crew to back tohealth.

Then, after giving Nancy a substantial monetary reward, said they were sailing in two days for their original destination, Hamburg, with their cargo. Finally, two months later she received a post from her new friend stating she had married the chief officer, and was now Mrs Lovegrove! …./ends

Produced by Don Collinson and Chris Ryan for the Kingswear Historians