Stuff You Missed in History Class: Isles of Scilly and the 335 Years War

Released January 29, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson

Introduction

In this fascinating episode, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the quirky and largely forgotten tale of the Isles of Scilly and their involvement in what is humorously termed the "335 Years War." This long-standing but non-violent conflict between the Isles of Scilly and the Netherlands serves as a unique lens through which to explore broader historical themes related to the English Civil Wars and international relations.

Early History of the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly, located southwest of Cornwall, England, have a rich history dating back thousands of years. Tracy provides an overview of the islands' early settlement:

Tracy V. Wilson [04:33]: "The Isles of Scilly were once a single large island that likely separated from mainland England over 12,000 years ago. Human presence dates back to 6000 BCE, with permanent settlements established around 2000 BCE."

Archaeological evidence points to continuous habitation through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Romano-British periods, indicating the islands' longstanding significance.

Ownership and Land Grants

Ownership of the Isles has shifted numerous times, primarily influenced by English monarchs and the Church. Tracy explains the transition of land grants:

Tracy V. Wilson [05:40]: "During King Henry I's reign (1100-1135), lands held by monks and hermits were granted to the Abbot of Tavistock. By 1193, Pope Celestine reaffirmed the Church's ownership, with the Earl of Cornwall, Reginald, asserting that shipwrecks were the monks' property unless they involved entire ships or whales."

This intricate web of ownership underscores the strategic and economic importance of the islands over the centuries.

Thomas Seymour and the Duchy of Cornwall

The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the story of Thomas Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Sudeley, whose ambition led to significant changes in the Isles' ownership:

Tracy V. Wilson [07:49]: "Thomas Seymour, brother of Jane Seymour and uncle to King Edward VI, sought greater power during Edward's minority. His failed attempts to secure influence culminated in his arrest for treason in January 1549 and subsequent execution by March 20th, 1549."

Following Seymour's execution, his landholdings in the Isles of Scilly were transferred to the Duchy of Cornwall:

Holly Fry [16:10]: "With Seymour's execution, the Isles became part of the Duchy of Cornwall, established in 1337 by Edward III to provide for the heir to the throne. In 1549, the Isles were incorporated into the duchy and leased to various governors who paid annual fees, sometimes even in puffins."

Connection to the English Civil Wars

The English Civil Wars (1642-1651), a series of conflicts between Royalists and Parliamentarians, set the stage for the Isles of Scilly's unique role in international conflict. Tracy provides essential context:

Tracy V. Wilson [17:45]: "The English Civil Wars were rooted in conflicts over royal authority and governance, exacerbated by Charles I's contentious policies in Scotland and Ireland. This period, also known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, saw significant shifts in power dynamics across England, Scotland, and Ireland."

Isles of Scilly in the Civil War

As Royalist forces dwindled on the mainland, the Isles of Scilly became a strategic refuge:

Holly Fry [28:35]: "Royalists retreated to the Isles, occupying Tresco Castle and later Star Castle on St. Mary's. Approximately 1,000 troops used the islands as a safe harbor, leveraging the Royal Navy to launch privateering raids against Parliamentary and Dutch shipping."

Governor John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath, played a crucial role in fortifying the islands and disrupting trade:

Tracy V. Wilson [31:28]: "Granville's use of the Isles' naval capabilities significantly hindered Parliamentary trade routes, making the Isles a thorn in the side of the Parliamentarians and their Dutch allies."

The 1651 Dutch Declaration of War

The prolonged privateering led to strained relations with the Netherlands:

Holly Fry [32:22]: "In early 1651, Admiral Martin Tromp of the Netherlands, responding to Royalist seizures of Dutch vessels, declared war on the Isles of Scilly. This declaration was unconventional, as Tromp was effectively declaring war on a non-sovereign entity."

The lack of formal recognition complicates the legitimacy of this declaration, highlighting the informal nature of 17th-century conflicts.

End of the Conflict and Its Resolution

Parliamentarian forces, led by Admiral Robert Blake and Sir George Askew, swiftly responded to regain control:

Tracy V. Wilson [33:14]: "Blake and Askew captured key islands, including Tresco and Briar, and eventually took St. Mary's, ending the Royalist presence. By 1651, with the Isles under Parliamentarian control, the active phase of this unique conflict concluded."

Despite the lack of traditional warfare, this prolonged state of hostilities was formally unresolved for centuries.

The 335 Years War: A Ceremonial Conclusion

Fast forward to April 17, 1986, when Dutch Ambassador Jonker Heidekoper officially ended the 335 Years War during a ceremonial visit:

Holly Fry [34:10]: "Roy Duncan, a local historian, discovered that no treaty had officially ended the conflict. His efforts led to Ambassador Heidekoper presenting a calligraphy scroll, formally terminating the war."

This resolution was largely symbolic but garnered media attention, boosting the Isles' tourism industry.

Modern Impact and Legacy

Today, the Isles of Scilly remain under the Duchy of Cornwall, thriving as a tourist destination:

Tracy V. Wilson [36:26]: "Tourism employs 70% of the population and accounts for 85% of the local economy. Additionally, the Isles are renowned for their flower cultivation, benefiting from a milder climate."

An amusing tidbit concludes the episode:

Holly Fry [37:01]: "The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust pays rent to the Duchy at the rate of one daffodil per year—a quirky modern reflection of the islands' unique history."

Listener Mail Segment

Holly engages with listener Erica's nostalgic memory of German pickle ornaments, a playful interlude that ties back to historical traditions and personal anecdotes. This segment highlights the show's commitment to connecting historical narratives with contemporary experiences.

Holly Fry [39:40]: "While many listeners contested the authenticity of the German pickle tradition, some shared genuine family stories, suggesting a localized or hyper-regional practice."

Conclusion

Holly and Tracy wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their stories and subscribe to the podcast. This episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class masterfully weaves a tale of maritime strategy, international tension, and ceremonial diplomacy, all centered around the serene yet historically tumultuous Isles of Scilly.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy V. Wilson [07:49]: "Payment in puffins may seem charming, but it was a practical solution to the lack of Saxon coinage in Cornwall."

• Holly Fry [16:10]: "The transfer of the Isles to the Duchy of Cornwall marked a new chapter in their governance, intertwining their fate with royal succession."

• Tracy V. Wilson [33:14]: "The Isles of Scilly played a subtle yet significant role in the broader context of the English Civil Wars, impacting international trade and naval strategy."

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