The Hartlepool Monkey (Chico dont read...)

[GrandOldTeam]

http://www.thisishartlepool.co.uk/history/thehartlepoolmonkey.asp

[FONT=verdana,helvetica]The monkey-hanging legend is the most famous story connected with Hartlepool. During the Napoleonic Wars a French ship was wrecked off the Hartlepool coast.

During the Napoleonic Wars there was a fear of a French invasion of Britain and much public concern about the possibility of French infiltrators and spies.

The fishermen of Hartlepool fearing an invasion kept a close watch on the French vessel as it struggled against the storm but when the vessel was severely battered and sunk they turned their attention to the wreckage washed ashore. Among the wreckage lay one wet and sorrowful looking survivor, the ship's pet monkey dressed to amuse in a military style uniform.

The fishermen apparently questioned the monkey and held a beach-based trial. Unfamiliar with what a Frenchman looked like they came to the conclusion that this monkey was a French spy and should be sentenced to death. The unfortunate creature was to die by hanging, with the mast of a fishing boat (a coble) providing a convenient gallows.[/FONT]

[FONT=verdana,helvetica] Some people increasingly believe that this unfortunately is not true. There are many theories why but the main one is this: Hartlepool has always been a seafaring town with inhabitants since the 9th Century; it gained its' Royal Charter in 1201. Sailors have been synonymous with simians ever since they started trading, so for the people of an important sea trading town never to have saw a one before 1805 is a ridiculous notion.[/FONT]

Unfortunately....

 

[Dylan]

YEAH!!! Hang that damn monkey!!! I saw it happen, it's true I tell you!!! I was there!!!

 

[FCConnecticut]

That's what we in the Navy would have called a 'no shitter'

 

[chicoazul]

I used to go out with a girl from Seaton Carew, part of Hartlepool, for three years. I know up there really well. Its true.

The mascot for Hartlepool Utd (Ive been to a few of their matches) is called Angus (H'angus) the Monkey. The local people actually buzz off it and are a sound bunch of people.

Theyre girls are not shy either. Top place.

 

[monty]

Of course its true, the monkey ponged of garlic, guilty as charged

 

[Dylan]

Sad, but true. The monkey was the most intelligent Crapaud spy on the books.

 

[monty]

Sad, but true. The monkey was the most intelligent Crapaud spy on the books.

and he spoke Geordie

 

[SuitsBlue]

was its name louis and was he the king of the swingers?

 

[coyney]

Its true so theres a few on here who should give Hartlepool a wide berth when I was a nurse a guy I worked with was from there and all the (mental patients) use to call him monkey killer done his nut

 

[monty]

Its true so theres a few on here who should give Hartlepool a wide berth when I was a nurse a guy I worked with was from there and all the (mental patients) use to call him monkey killer done his nut

monkey nut