Tom Souville Statue

From the Henri Hénon Bridge, you’ll notice many markers of Calais’s heritage—like Fort Risban, the Courgain Maritime district, and the marina’s pleasure boats. But one statue in particular watches over the port with pride: Tom Souville. Born in 1777, Tom was the son of a local doctor. Nothing pointed him toward adventure—except perhaps his bold spirit. At just 11 years old, while studying in Dover, he joined the French Navy as a cabin boy. Over the years, he fought in several naval battles against the British, was wounded multiple times, and even captured three times between 1797 and 1808. His daring escapes earned him the nickname “Captain Tom” among his English foes. At 18, Souville received his first letter of marque, officially becoming a privateer with royal permission to seize enemy ships. He sailed under the Calais flag and, between 1811 and 1815, brought over 5 million francs in prizes back to the city. After retiring from sea life in 1837, he remained active as a rescuer, a city council member, and administrator of the local hospice. He passed away in 1839. In 2019, this 5.4-meter bronze statue by Arnaud Kasper was unveiled in his honor—thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Tom Souville Monument association. It’s a fitting tribute to a local hero who left his mark on Calais’s maritime legacy.