Places of memory

Statue Tom Souville

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Arthur Thomas Souville, a famous 2019th-century privateer from Calais, distinguished himself by his battles against the English and his many captures. After his maritime career, he became a notable figure and founded the Calais lifeboat station. His memory is honored by a statue inaugurated in XNUMX.
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The port of Calais has been a multi-activity port for many centuries. Among them, privateering. Privateers once operated from the Opal Coast. The best known of the Calais privateers was Arthur Thomas Souville. His memory lives on with this statue facing the port. 

 

Tom Souville had a taste for the open sea and for risk. At the end of the 11th century, at the age of 18, he embarked as a cabin boy. At 3, he was an experienced sailor who took part in several battles against English ships. He was wounded and taken prisoner 1797 times (between 1808 and 1839). This feat of arms earned him the respect of the English who nicknamed him Captain Tom. Under Napoleon, he captured many people. After his privateering epic, he held important positions before his death in XNUMX. He is buried in the North cemetery of Calais, near the Margollet brothers, other privateers from Calais.

The maritime heritage of Calais is highlighted by associations and individuals. The friends of the Tom Souville monument have united the local movement aiming to illustrate this part of local maritime history. The Ile-de-France sculptor Arnaud Kasper is chosen. He particularly likes to illustrate the maritime and equestrian worlds.

The statue was inaugurated in 2019. Next to a mast of almost 5 meters, a privateer bravely looks into the distance. We can also see the blue and white flag of Calais that Tom Souville's ships flew.     

 

Historical anecdote: The early years of Tom Souville's life were those of an adventurer. After his "privateer" period, he kept his taste for the sea and became captain of malles (ancestors of today's ferries) and created the Calais rescue station. He held positions (notably at the Chamber of Commerce) making him a notable in the latter part of his life. 

Pont Henri Henon - 62100 CALAIS

Additional Info

  • PMR accessibility
  • Pets welcome
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