THE final resting place of infamous Poole pirate Harry Paye has been officially recognised at a ceremony in a Kent church.

Poole Mayor Cllr Xena Dion and members of the Pirates of Poole charity organisation paraded through the town of Faversham, before congregating at Faversham Parish Church, St Mary of Charity, where a new replica brass marking Harry's tomb was unveiled.

Poole historian Michael Cullen, who commissioned the brass, explained: "It has taken 14 months from the time I first went there to get to this point, but I am delighted with the result."

Michael, who visited the Kent church and found the original brass had worn down, said it had not been possible to read Harry's name.

Cllr Dion said: "Every town needs a historic or legendary figure that captures the essence of their history and heritage.

"Harry Paye is remembered as a heroic sea farer who may have been a pirate at times but also had considerable success in capturing enemy ships.

"Stories and legends abound about him but he is a figure that people in Poole love to celebrate. Paying tribute to him in this way at his tomb is very fitting."

Harry Paye, believed to have been born in Poole around 1360, sailed for most of his life around the southern shores of Britain and into French and Spanish seas.

He plundered and pirated, alongside fighting the enemy fleets for crown and country.

However, after causing havoc among the Spanish and French fleet they joined forces and raided Poole in the hope of capturing him.

In the ensuing violence, Harry's brother and other Poole habitants were killed - and much of the town was burned.

Harry, who had not been in Poole during the attack, later rallied his ships and put to sea seeking revenge. Some time later, records suggest, he returned to Poole with the spoils from more than 120 Spanish and French ships - and a legend was born.

Harry's latter years were spent operating from ports in Kent, in and around Faversham - where he died in 1419.

On the Faversham visit, Pirates of Poole leader Marty Caine said: "To see the replica that we have been hearing about for some time, now finished and in place, is really fantastic.

"We were also really pleased to see that the owners of one of the best hotels in Faversham has named their bar and courtyard after Harry Paye. His history and legends surrounding him certainly live on. We will certainly continue to celebrate him each year through Harry Paye Day."

To coincide with the start of Poole Maritime Festival on May 14, the Pirates are working with the Mayor of Poole to organise the Beating of the Sea Bounds that marks the old traditional sea boundaries around Poole which Harry Paye would have been involved in.   

Harry Paye Day, which includes a host of pirate themed activities on Poole Quay, takes place on June 17.