Because Surrey isn’t all about leafy walks, there’s a darker side too…
Let’s go back to St Nicholas church, Godstone in the 17th Century where a daring young lad from London, John Edward Trenchman, left the docks at just 12 years old to sail with infamous pirate, Henry Morgan. After years of high-sea adventures, Trenchman returned, not to a quiet life, but one of smuggling along the southeast coasts of England.
His tale takes a turn when, betrayed by a crew member, he faced an ambush as he travelled through Walchnestead (now called Godstone), that ended his smuggling days. Wounded, Trenchman sought refuge at the local Fox and Hounds Inn, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Villagers, taking pity from him as he was far from the sea, initially buried him in an unmarked grave at St. Nicholas Church, but stories of hauntings and blood appearing at the church alter, led them to give him a Christian burial. His headstone was marked by the iconic pirate symbol, giving an unmistakable glimpse into history, and a touch of mystery.
You can visit both the grave, and the Fox and Hounds Inn where Trenchman breathed his last in Godstone – the perfect spot to raise a pint to a pirate!
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