Statue Tom Souville
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Statue Tom Souville
Pont Henri Henon - 62100 CALAIS
The port of Calais has been a hub of diverse activities for centuries, including privateering. Corsairs once operated from the Opal Coast. The most famous of the Calaisian privateers was Antoine Thomas Souville. His memory lives on with this statue overlooking the port. Tom Souville had a taste for the open sea and for risk. In the late 18th century, at the age of 11, he went to sea as a cabin boy. By 3, he was an experienced sailor, having participated in several battles against English ships. He was wounded and taken prisoner three times (between 1797 and 1808). This feat of arms earned him the respect of the English, who nicknamed him Captain Tom. Under Napoleon, his captures were numerous. After his privateering exploits, he held important positions before his death in 1839. He is buried in the North Cemetery of Calais, near the Margollet brothers, other Calaisian privateers. The maritime heritage of Calais is preserved and promoted by associations and individuals. The Friends of the Tom Souville Monument brought together the local movement to commemorate this chapter of local maritime history. The sculptor from the Île-de-France region, Arnaud Kasper, was chosen. He particularly enjoys depicting maritime and equestrian themes. The statue was unveiled in 2019. Beside a mast nearly 5 meters high, a privateer bravely gazes into the distance. The blue and white flag of Calais, which Tom Souville's ships flew, is also visible. Historical note: Tom Souville's early life was spent as an adventurer. After his time as a privateer, he retained his love of the sea and became a captain of mail ships (the forerunners of today's ferries), establishing the Calais lifeboat station. He held various positions (notably at the Chamber of Commerce), making him a prominent figure in the latter part of his life.
