Who Was Captain Richard Pearson? The Forgotten Hero of the Battle of Flamborough Head

A New Patron for Yorkshire Coast 1779

Exciting news for history buffs and local heritage lovers—Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles has joined Yorkshire Coast 1779 as its Patron! If you’re wondering why that’s a big deal, here’s the twist: Sir Sherard is a direct descendant of Sir Richard Pearson, the British naval captain who played a vital role in the Battle of Flamborough Head during the American War of Independence.

After attending the group’s annual festival last year, Sir Sherard was inspired by their efforts to highlight this dramatic, often-overlooked battle. And let’s be honest, if your great-great-great-great-grandfather had been at the heart of an epic naval showdown, you’d want the world to know about it too!

But Sir Sherard isn’t just famous for his family tree—he’s had an impressive career of his own. As a former British ambassador to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan, he’s seen his fair share of international action. He’s also an author, with books like Cables from Kabul: The Inside Story of the West’s Afghanistan Campaign and Ever the Diplomat – Confessions of a Foreign Office Mandarin offering a peek behind the curtain of global politics.

For Margaret Hicks-Clarke, Chair of Yorkshire Coast 1779, having Sir Sherard on board is a game-changer:

"It is exciting not only to have found a direct descendant of one of the key players in this historic event, but to have the support of Sir Sherard is very meaningful. It gives credence to our work in helping to create a sense of pride in our local area."

So, what exactly happened at the Battle of Flamborough Head, and why was Captain Pearson such a big deal? Let’s rewind to 1779…

The Battle of Flamborough Head: A Fight to Protect British Trade

Picture this: it’s 23 September 1779, and the North Sea is alive with tension. Two British navy captains—Richard Pearson aboard the HMS Serapis and Thomas Piercy on the Countess of Scarborough—are leading a convoy of over 40 merchant ships. These ships are carrying iron ore and timber, vital materials for the Royal Navy.

Then, out of nowhere, a Franco-American squadron appears, led by John Paul Jones, a name that still strikes pride (and fear) depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on. His flagship, the Bonhomme Richard, is gunning for the convoy.

The British are outnumbered two-to-one, but they refuse to back down. A fierce battle breaks out just off Flamborough Head, near Scarborough.

Pearson’s main priority? Getting the merchant ships to safety. He and Piercy hold off Jones’s forces long enough for the convoy to escape under the protective guns of Scarborough Castle. Once Pearson is sure they’re safe, he surrenders—but not before causing so much damage to the Bonhomme Richard that the ship sinks shortly afterward.

Now, if this were a Hollywood movie, you’d expect Pearson to be hailed as a failure for losing his ship. But in reality, he was treated as a hero. The British Navy understood the bigger picture:

• The main goal was to protect British trade, which Pearson achieved.
• Ships could be replaced, but a lost convoy would have been a disaster for the war effort.
• His bravery and tactical skills earned him a Knighthood, civilian honours like three coconut cups, and the “freedoms” of Hull and Scarborough.

Pearson’s career didn’t end there. He went on to become Lt. Governor of Greenwich Hospital, a place for retired Royal Navy sailors, before passing away in 1806.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Thanks to groups like Yorkshire Coast 1779, Captain Pearson’s story isn’t lost to history. The organisation, founded in 2020, is dedicated to keeping the memory of the Battle of Flamborough Head alive. They do this by:

✅ Running educational events and festivals
✅ Promoting local tourism along the 1779 Heritage Coast from Bridlington to Scarborough
✅ Ensuring future generations know about this incredible piece of Yorkshire’s maritime history

And now, with Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles stepping in as Patron, the group has even more reason to celebrate.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit www.yorkshirecoast1779.com.

Why This Matters Today

It’s easy to think of history as just names in a book, but battles like Flamborough Head shaped the world we live in today. They remind us of the sacrifices made, the strategies used, and the people—like Captain Pearson—who stepped up when it mattered most.

So, next time you’re by the Yorkshire coast, take a moment to picture those ships, the chaos of battle, and the bravery of the men who fought that day. Their legacy still lives on.