Born: Before 1525
Died: After 1587
Biography:
Mary Wolverston, Lady Killigrew (formerly Knyvett; born before 1525 – died after 1587), was a gentlewoman from Suffolk who married into an ancient Cornish family and was accused of piracy during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Mary’s life was filled with intrigue and adventure, as she played an active role in her husband’s piracy activities and managed the family estate.
Born into the Wolverston family of Wolverston Hall in Suffolk, Mary was the daughter of Philip Wolverston, often referred to as a gentleman pirate. After the death of her first husband, Henry Knyvett, Mary married Sir John IV Killigrew of Arwenack, Cornwall. Sir John was the 2nd Governor of Pendennis Castle and served as the Member of Parliament for Lostwithiel and Penryn.
Pendennis Castle, built by King Henry VIII on part of the Arwenack estate, played a significant role in Mary’s life and the piracy activities she engaged in. Her father-in-law, John III Killigrew, was the first hereditary Governor of Pendennis Castle, and upon his death, Queen Elizabeth I appointed Sir John IV Killigrew as the second Governor.
With control over the shipping in Carrick Roads harbor, the third largest natural harbor in the world, Mary’s husband used his position to prey on the cargoes of passing ships. Mary, too, actively participated in these piratical endeavors and is said to have enjoyed the adventure more than her husband. Historian Neville Williams described her as a tough and unprincipled businesswoman who managed Arwenack House and oversaw the burial of stolen treasure in her garden.
In 1567, Arwenack House was fortified as a stronghold and used to store merchandise stolen during raids on ships. Mary and her husband paid large fees to officials, bribing them to allow their illicit activities. However, their piratical exploits did not go unnoticed. In January 1582, Mary, in her 60s at the time, received information about treasure aboard the Spanish ship Marie of San Sebastian, anchored opposite Arwenack House. Mary sent her servants to seize the ship and search its cargo. While she did not personally go on raids, she was arrested for receiving stolen goods and involvement in the murder of a factor during the boarding of the Marie of San Sebastian.
Mary, along with some family members, was brought to trial and sentenced to death. Despite the execution of two of her assistants, she eventually received a pardon from Queen Elizabeth I. While her exact date of death is unknown, Mary Wolverston continued to live on after her dramatic encounters with piracy and the law.