Maritime record ORF 284 - Wreck of a cargo vessel

1309 wreck of cargo vessel which foundered after being scuttled on her arrival at Orford from Bruges, when local people boarded the ship to plunder her cargo. Constructed of wood, she was a sailing vessel.
Status: Casualty

'As piracy closely follows trade it may be regarded as a sign of commercial importance that the Suffolk ports were frequent offenders or victims...At Orford, in 1309, a vessel from Bruges was emptied and then sunk.' (1)

'Sept. 14. Westminster. The like [commission of oyer and terminer] to William de Ormesby, John le Breton and William de Colney, on complaint by William le Mayden, Gilbert Robert, William Shakelok, William Malyn, William de Boxford and Robert de Bonewalle, merchants, that in a vessel laden with goods from Bruges they put into the port of Orford, co. Suffolk, where divers persons boarded their ship, carried away their goods and sunk the ship.' (2)

'March 1, Berwick-on-Tweed. Commission of oyer and terminer to William de Ormesby, John le Bretun and Robert de Reydon, on complaint by William Malyn, William Shakelok and Robert de Bonewalle, merchants, that, when they in a ship, which they had freighted with goods and wares at Bruges for England, put into the port of Orford, certain men of that town boarded their ship, carried away their goods, and subsequently wrecked and sunk their vessel.' (3)

Owner: of cargo, William le Mayden, Gilbert Robert, William Shakelok, William de Boxford, William Malyn, and Robert de Bonewalle (2)(3)

Date of Loss Qualifier: Reporting date of loss