Richard Ferris

Who is Richard Ferris?

Richard Ferris was an English adventurer.

Ferris was one of the five ordinary messengers attached to Queen Elizabeth's household. A subpœna was issued for him to give evidence in a suit in the court of the Archbishop of Canterbury on 7 November 1580. In July 1606 he was still filling the office of royal messenger. Although ‘never trayned upon the water,’ he resolved in 1590 to accomplish the daring feat of rowing in an open boat from London to Bristol. He embarked in a ‘new built’ wherry on Midsummer day at Tower Wharf, with two friends, Andrew Hill and William Thomas. At Greenwich they landed, and were entertained at court. Afterwards their journey began in earnest, and although they usually anchored in safe harbours at night, and were well received by the townspeople of the southern seaports, they ran some risks, and did not reach Bristol till 3 August. The mayor and aldermen gave them a triumphal welcome. They returned to London on 8 August, and wherever they showed themselves were enthusiastically received. The exploit excited the admiration of all classes from the court downwards.