In 2018, Chris Maxworthy unearthed a set of documents that pointed to a Spanish plan of 1796 to attack the young colony of New South Wales with gunboats from Peru and Chile. This lecture, based on his research in Spanish and South American archives, tells the fascinating narrative of this period, one that includes pirates, privateers, and grand ideas.

Chris will discuss the case of the English privateer Chance, which in April 1801 called into Port Jackson and took on 30 men. As a Letter of Marque vessel with authority to attack Spanish shipping, the Chance then cruised along the South American coast harassing ships. In the ultimate indignity to Spain, the Chance battled and captured the Royal Spanish Navy brig, the Limeno.

Chris will detail the battle and the eventual capture of the Limeno; which was sent into the British Vice Admiralty Court at Cape Town where the prize was condemned. The lecture will also touch on the process of privateering and an explanation of prize law.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

Complimentary Peruvian themed canapes and beverages will be served in the Library’s foyer following the lecture from 7pm - 8pm.

Watch online

If you cannot attend in-person, the panel discussion will be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join through the Library's YouTube channe 

El Castor contra la fragata de Henry cerca de la isla Puna, Museo Naval, Madrid (MNM), Cuartel General de la Armada

This event is delivered in association with the Embassy of Peru.

About Chris Maxworthy

Chris Maxworthy is a retired officer of the Royal Australian Navy and a maritime historian. His historical research deals with the early colonial years of Australia, when the infant colony supported privateering, whaling and sealing in the Pacific Ocean.

Chris is a Winston Churchill Fellow who originally qualified as an electrical engineer. He is a graduate of UNSW and Macquarie University. Previously he has served as a Councillor of the Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) and as Vice President of the Australian Association of Maritime History (AAMH). When not exploring overseas archives, Chris can be found as a Petherick Reader at the National Library of Australia.