Monkey hanger facts for kids
A Monkey Hanger is a special nickname for people from the town of Hartlepool in County Durham, England. It's a name that comes from a very old and interesting story.
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The Story of the Hartlepool Monkey
The nickname "Monkey Hanger" comes from a famous local legend. This story is about a monkey that was supposedly hanged in Hartlepool a long time ago.
The Napoleonic Wars Incident
During the Napoleonic Wars, which were wars between France and other European countries, a French ship got caught in a big storm. The ship was wrecked off the coast of Hartlepool. The only survivor found from the ship was a monkey. People say this monkey was wearing a small French army uniform. The sailors might have dressed it up for fun.
When the local people found the monkey on the beach, they didn't know what it was. They had never seen a monkey before, and they had also never seen a Frenchman. They decided to hold a quick "trial" for the monkey.
Why They Thought It Was a Spy
The monkey, of course, couldn't answer any of their questions. Because it was wearing a uniform and couldn't speak, the people thought it must be a French spy! They decided the monkey was guilty. So, according to the legend, they hanged the monkey on the beach.
This story is a famous part of Hartlepool's history and folklore. It's important to remember that this is a legend, a story passed down through generations, and not necessarily a true event.
Similar Stories in Other Places
It's interesting to know that similar stories about animals being hanged have been told in other places too. For example, there's a very similar legend from Boddam, Aberdeenshire in Scotland. There are also tales from Mevagissey in Cornwall and Greenock in Scotland. This shows how old stories can travel and change over time.
The Monkey Song
The earliest record of the Hartlepool monkey story comes from a popular song. This song was written and performed by a funny performer named Ned Corvan in the 1800s. Many people believe that the song itself is the reason the monkey story became so well-known. It seems the story really grew popular after Corvan performed his song in Hartlepool.
See also
- List of British regional nicknames
- Mackem
- Smoggie
