Richard Ferris (adventurer) facts for kids

Richard Ferris (active between 1580 and 1606) was an English adventurer. He was known for a very brave boat trip he made in 1590.

Ferris worked as a royal messenger for Queen Elizabeth. This meant he carried important messages for the Queen. He was active in this job for many years, from at least 1580 to 1606.

The Great Boat Adventure

In 1590, Richard Ferris decided to do something amazing. Even though he wasn't a trained sailor, he planned to row a small boat all the way from London to Bristol. This was a very long and challenging journey!

Starting the Journey

On Midsummer Day (a day in summer) in 1590, Ferris began his trip. He started from Tower Wharf in London. He was in a brand new, small boat called a 'wherry'. Two of his friends, Andrew Hill and William Thomas, joined him on this adventure.

Their first stop was Greenwich. There, they were welcomed and even entertained at the Queen's court! After this special visit, their real journey began.

Challenges and Welcome

The trip was not easy. They often stayed in safe harbours at night. People in the towns along the southern coast were very kind to them. They welcomed Ferris and his friends.

Even with careful planning, the journey had its dangers. But they kept going! Finally, on August 3, they reached Bristol.

A Hero's Welcome

When Ferris and his friends arrived in Bristol, they were treated like heroes! The mayor and other important people in the city gave them a huge welcome.

Just five days later, on August 8, they returned to London. People there were also very excited to see them. Everyone, from the Queen's court to ordinary people, admired their brave journey.

Celebrating the Adventure

Richard Ferris's amazing trip was so popular that people wrote songs and books about it!

Songs and Ballads

Soon after the journey finished, two special songs, called ballads, were written. One was called "A ballad of Richard Fferrys cominge to Bristowe." Another was about "the ioyfull entertainment of the wherry and iij wherrymen." These songs celebrated their arrival in Bristol and how happy everyone was.

The Book About the Trip

In the same year, a book was printed about Ferris's adventure. It was titled "The most dangerous and memorable Adventure of Richard Ferris." The book was published for Richard Ferris himself. It even had a special poem at the end about his arrival in Bristol.

This book is very rare today. A copy of it is kept safe in the Bodleian Library, a famous library in England.

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