From the Seas - The Story Behind the Flag

There's something fascinating about old pirate flags. Instantly recognisable, often misunderstood and surrounded by centuries of folklore, they've become some of the most enduring symbols of maritime history.

The skull and crossbones, or Jolly Roger as it's better known, is usually associated with a black flag. But one of the rarest surviving examples is actually red, and its story stretches back more than 200 years.

In the late 18th century, Royal Navy officer Richard Curry captured a red Jolly Roger from a pirate vessel operating off the North African coast. The flag would eventually find its way to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, where it was exhibited as an exceptionally rare surviving piece of pirate history.

What makes this particular flag so interesting isn't just its age, but what it represented.

Unlike the black Jolly Roger, which was often used to intimidate ships into surrendering, the red flag carried a much darker warning. Historically associated with 'no quarter', it suggested that anyone choosing to resist could expect little mercy.

The skull and crossbones reinforced that message. Simple, unmistakable and designed to be recognised from a distance, it was an effective piece of visual communication long before the days of modern branding.

Interestingly, one theory suggests that the name Jolly Roger originated from the French joli rouge, meaning 'pretty red'. It's a theory that remains disputed, but it's another fascinating detail in the history of these flags.

Following its capture, the Portsmouth flag remained in the Curry family for generations. In 2007, it underwent specialist textile conservation, helping preserve a remarkable artefact that had survived more than two centuries.

Given the conditions these flags were exposed to, and the fact that few would ever have been considered worth keeping, it's extraordinary that examples like this still exist.

'From the Seas'

In North Cornwall, the ocean and its history are never far away. From the working harbours and fishing communities to the countless stories of smugglers, sailors and pirates, our coastline has a long and colourful relationship with the sea.

It's a connection that's always been central to Hoy and provides an endless stream of inspiration.

When we discovered the story behind the red Jolly Roger, we were drawn to its simple, weathered design and the history it carried.

We decided to take inspiration from the original skull and crossbones and reinterpret it as a woven patch, incorporating our Hoy North Cornwall identity.

The distressed appearance of the artwork felt important to retain. We wanted something that looked as though it had a history of its own, rather than a polished, modern graphic.

The result is our From the Seas Beanie, available in black and smoke, featuring the woven patch inspired by this remarkable piece of maritime history.

The name 'From the Seas' is our own nod to the language and folklore of the old seafaring world. Three simple words that feel particularly fitting for a brand born from a love of the ocean.

From early morning surf checks to cold winter walks along the Cornish coast, it's a beanie designed for the sort of days we know and love.

A small piece of maritime history, reimagined for life by the sea.