The year was 1589. The English fleet under the command of Sir Francis Drake approached the port of La Coruna with the intention of seizing the wealthy city. A long siege began, but the population of La Coruna fought bravely back. Finally, on 8th of May 1589, the English troops had penetrated deeply into the city and were about to breach the city walls at the height of what is known as the district of La Pesquaderia in the Old Town.
The Story of Maria Pita
Maria Pita, whose full name was Maria Fernandez de Camara y Pita, was born in La Coruna in 1568. Her second husband was Gregorio de Recamonde, an army officer and commander of a squad. The couple had a daughter and Maria was a housewife, although always known for her spirits and bravery as well as her good looks and physical height.
In 1589, the English fleet under the command of Sir Franis Drake and General Norris approached La Coruna to lay siege on the city and ultimately capture it. They successfully penetrated the port and foot soldiers conquered street after street in fierce battle, strongly opposed by the population by whatver means were at hand.
On 8th May, the English finally reached the walled part of the Old Town, known as La Pesquaderia. With great difficulty they managed to climb the wall and were about to open a breach in the fortification.
That section of the wall was defended by Greogorio and his men. But not only the men fought back, the women did the same. They helped reload weapons, tended to the wounded in the hospital San Andres and brought food and refreshments to the tired fighters. Among them was Maria Pita who not for a moment left her husband's side.
Suddenly, Gregorio was deadly wounded by a shot to the head from a cross bow, just as Norris' brother, English flag in hand, was about to climb over the wall.
Maria Pita, outraged and besides herself with grief, grabbed her husband's sword, lifted it high up into the air, thrust it at Norris, pushing him back and with her other hand managed to seize the English flag. She waved it over her head and shouted at her fellwo citizens: "I'll avenge you. Friends, don't give up, Spain's honor depends on us."
Such act of courage and bravery lifted the spirits of the people of La Coruna and with renewed energy they fought back, ultimately forcing the English to abandon the siege and to withdraw.
Honor of Maria Pita
Much of the story of Maria Pita has been complied in a booklet published by Libreria Arenas.in La Coruna. Part of the story is legend and part is truth. However, it took many years for her accomplishment to be recognised. She was awarded the rank of mayor and received a pension of 10 escudos per month. She had to lead a long legal battle to safeguard her inheritance and was finally, in 1850, included in the festivities which celebrate the victory over the English.
Her statue has been erected in the Plaza de Maria Pita in the center of La Coruna, facing the Town Hall.
The story of Maria Pita is a striking example of how a single courageous act can influence the mood of an entire population and turn history around.
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