THE Plymouth papers report a group of 'experts', tourist officials, 'Drake enthusiasts', TV executives and others, are planning to locate and recover Sir Francis Drake's coffin from the seabed.
As a Devon man who was born in Drake's home town of Tavistock, this report filled me with anger and disgust. It beggars belief that there are people who have the breathtaking audacity to bring the great seafarer's remains back to England — and for what purpose? To create another 'peep show' for the tourists by all accounts and to make money after proffering a begging bowl to fund it.
They have no right to disturb Sir Francis. There must be thousands of Devonians who, like me, disapprove of this project and will never be consulted or considered. Tavistock and Plymouth have Drake statues; surely these evoke more respect and dignity than any future headstone with an inscription thereon.
My fervent hope is that consideration will be given to terminate this proposal before it is too late. Sir Francis Drake's place in the history of our country is forever assured and he deserves to be left to rest in peace.
Trevor James
Zeal Head House
South Zeal