Francis and Ann

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 16:31

1865 - Francis and Ann, a schooner carrying a cargo of oranges from Palermo to Bristol, struck the Helwick Bank in a snowstorm on December 22nd.   Her crew escaped in the ship's boat and took refuge on the Helwick Lightship before being taken to Milford.   Her cargo was blown in on the rocks at Overton Mere  where “the dull grey pebbly beach took on an orange glow”.   Many oranges were happily gathered by the locals.   What were left were sold at auction.  (Ref. 037)