Governor of Sombrero



The song 'Governor of Sombrero' [Track 2 on 'Yours for Eternity]' is based on the history of Robert Jeffrey, born in Fowey, Cornwall and press-ganged into the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Marooned on an isolated rock, miles from inhabited West Indies by the master of H.M.S. Recruit, Warwick Lake, without food or water, he was rescued nine days later by an American schooner. Years later, Robert returned to a hero's welcome in Polperro. Meanwhile, Lake had been drummed out of the Navy and questions raised in Parliament around the serving conditions of sailors. Jeffrey's case initiated a 'sea change'. Go here to read the full lyrics. Go here to read more about the case in James Derriman's book 'Marooned'.

Photo courtesy of Polperro Heritage Press

Leave a comment