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Sete-Barberoussette, pirate and boat wrecker
In the 16th century, Barberoussette, a red-bearded pirate, lit fires on Mont Saint Clair to attract boats. He then plundered them once they had grounded on the coast. He was arrested by the Duke of Montmorency.
Once upon a time, there was a pirate who had a small rust-coloured beard. He was called Barberoussette because of the colour of his beard. Gaspard Dot, his real name, was born in Provence. He settled on Mont Saint Clair and made a career for himself in piracy, specialising in boat wrecking. It was the 16th century. Although certain facts have been confirmed, and in particular the fact that Barberoussette actually existed, other details are entirely imaginary.
"He is not mentioned at all in any official records as he lived before the town of Sète was created", said Cathy Lopez, who is in charge of the Sète Archives. "He is somewhat of a mystery." "He appeals to people’s imagination as he broke the law. A pirate or a corsair represented a life of freedom sailing on boundless seas."
What was the pirate’s tactic? The height of Mont Saint Clair enabled the pirate and his accomplices to light fires which misled vessels. The captains at sea thought they were being guided by the Agde lighthouse and their boats ended up crashing against the rocks of Sète. The bandits, who were hiding near to the Lazaret beach, simply had to rush onboard their brigantine – a very fast, small schooner with a square rigged foremast and a rigged mizzenmast. They launched an attack on the unfortunate boat and ruthlessly killed the captain and sailors.
Barberoussette took the loot, material, weapons and horses and promptly headed for the small island of Brescou at approximately 1,800 metres off Agde. The man was cunning and daring, and maintained his composure at all times. The rise in the number of maritime, freight and passenger crossings along the Languedoc coast was a godsend for him.
Despite attempts to put an end to the thieves’ work, nobody managed to capture the pirates. The authorities were at the end of their tether and wanted desperately to get rid of this outlaw. This was particularly so since, according to legend, he supplied the Marshal de Joyeuse, fervent supporter of the League, a political and religious movement which wanted to prevent the future protestant King of France, Henry IV, from acceding to the throne, with weapons and military equipment.
One day, the region’s inhabitants, who had grown weary of his abuses of authority, beseeched the Governor of Languedoc, the Duke of Montmorency, to arrest the pirate and his band of thieves. On Saturday 23 May 1586, in the Town Hall of Agde, the Governor hurled: "Barberoussette has had us running around since February. He is destroying maritime activities and mocking us. We have to put an end to such goings-on. Gentlemen, let me have your suggestions." Indeed, since February, Barberoussette had not contented himself with pillaging boats that ran aground at Sète, but had organised a true blockade of the port of Agde, which had begun to suffer from the lack of food.
Bertichères, a leading officer suggested, "Sir, we have to take the initiative and to do that we need vessels and lookout men - vessels to chase after Barberoussette on the sea and lookout men on horseback to follow him on land when he disembarks. I can supply some light horses, good horsemen and track this bandit on land." On 29 May, a commando spotted Barberoussette near to Sérignan. Harquebuses were used to chase after him. He was finally arrested with eight of his men. He should have been hanged but the Duke of Montmorency secretly admired the fearless man and warrior. In exchange for his life, he demanded that Barberoussette work as an expert. He was thus placed in charge of a galley shipyard in Agde. Although it may seem ironic, he had to manage twenty-five convicts! After his period of fame, Barberoussette settled down, got married and had four children. Once he "had gone straight" he was forgotten.
After the pirate had been captured, the Duke of Montmorency ensured that Mount Saint Clair was made safe. He had a tower with bastions built on the summit and a garrison was permanently stationed there. The tower was called Fort Montmorencette. But the presence of Barberoussette can still be felt on the Singulière island. Apparently, the pirate hid booty on Saint Clair. So if there are any treasure hunters out there…?
