Burgh Island statue 'should be pilchards not pirates'

Plans for a statue of two female pirates thought to have been lovers have been rejected by a parish council.

The statue of 18th Century pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read is proposed for beauty spot Burgh Island in south Devon.

The pirate pair, cast in concrete and looking out to sea, would enhance the area, say supporters.

Others say a tribute to the local pilchard industry or "a fisherman's wife" would be more appropriate.

The statue, by sculptor Amanda Cotton, celebrates the pair who broke gender boundaries and, according to historians, became lovers after they pitched up on a pirate ship.

Bigbury Parish Council, which had 13 objections and three messages of support about the plan, voted unanimously against it on Monday.

The island was "notorious for smuggling and we have our own Pirates Day, so it seemed like a no-brainer", he said.

The statue, proposed by London-based marketing agency The Producers, would have found more support if it had been linked to the former pilchard fishing industry in the area, said councillor Cathy Case.

"I'm not convinced it's the right thing for the island," she said.

Councillor Sharon Smith agreed: "It would be better to have a fisherman's wife looking out to sea.

"It does not belong in this area."

London people trying to push the woke agenda. Good on the council to reject it.

Maybe a statue of Sheryll Murray, fisherman's wife and heroine of the B word.

Just get it done FFS! Personally I think the two gay Pirates is a great story.

I would rather see two gay Pirates.

Earwegoagain wrote:

Just get it done FFS! Personally I think the two gay Pirates is a great story.

Har Har! There's plenny o' treasure down there lass!