Bryn Phillips

Mrs. Elizabeth Berry was a notorious figure in maritime lore during the 19th century. Operating along the treacherous shores of Cornwall, England. She capitalized on shipwrecks, salvaging cargo and plundering vessels. Her methods were ruthless, often using false beacons to lure ships to their demise.  Once a ship had been wrecked any survivors had to be dispatched, so that the wreckers could claim the cargo. Mrs Berry trademark technique was to hold the sailors down whilst they drowned using a pitchfork on their neck. Despite legal scrutiny, she evaded punishment, earning both fear and begrudging respect.

 

With her pitchfork in her hand
With her pitchfork in her hand
She held down those drowning men
With her pitchfork in her hand

She tied a lantern to the horse's tail
An old trick that would never fail
When the captain saw the flickering light
He yelled out lads, we'll be alright
But instead the ship floundered in the storm
It's hull was breached the sails all torn
As they crashed into the jagged rocks
The sailors knew all hope was lost

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With her pitchfork in her hand
With her pitchfork in her hand
She held down those drowning men
With her pitchfork in her hand

​

Elizabeth Berry's twisted mind
Was thinking of the loot she'd find
As sailor's struggled to the shore
Through the oceans pounding roar
Fear was shining in their eyes
They knew no-one could be left alive
The wreckers showed them no remorse
And Elizabeth Berry was the worst

 

With her pitchfork in her hand
With her pitchfork in her hand
She held down those drowning men
With her pitchfork in her hand

​

When the storm had passed and gone
There was something there for everyone
Treasure lying all around
Amongst the wreckage on the ground
As the wreckers searched the splintered wood
Mrs Berry like a statue stood
As they laid her share around her feet
Elizabeth smiled a smile so sweet

 

With her pitchfork in her hand
With her pitchfork in her hand
She held down those drowning men
With her pitchfork in her hand

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