During a series of global conflicts conducted by a certain 'King', 'Mediator' and 'Protector', a public execution took place after a seafaring vessel struck tragedy near a quiet coastal European town. Locals decided to conduct their own legalities upon this 'spy' adourned in full military uniform. Who was executed, where did it take place, and what derogatory term was thought to have originated from this event?

queproblema

So glad you asked....even if I don't know. I'm trying to make this be Vikings attacking Ireland, but can't get anywhere. There, that's a start! Aug 26 07, 11:06 PM

voltaire11

The Conflict: Napoleonic Wars, conducted by Napoleon I the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic, and Emperor of the French (Empereur des Français). He was also King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. The spy: A monkey. The town: Hartlepool, England a small fishing town. Aug 26 07, 11:20 PM

voltaire11

The Legend: During the Napoleonic Wars there was a fear of a French invasion of Britain and much public concern about the possibility of French infiltrators and spies. The fishermen of Hartlepool fearing an invasion kept a close watch on the French vessel as it struggled against the storm but when the vessel was severely battered and sunk they turned their attention to the wreckage washed ashore. Among the wreckage lay one wet and sorrowful looking survivor, the ship's pet monkey dressed to amuse in a military style uniform. The fishermen apparently questioned the monkey and held a beach-based trial. Unfamiliar with what a Frenchman looked like they came to the conclusion that this monkey was a French spy and should be sentenced to death. The unfortunate creature was to die by hanging, with the mast of a fishing boat (a coble) providing a convenient gallows. http://www.thisishartlepool.co.uk/history/thehartlepoolmonkey.asp The derogatory term: Monkey-Hanger: Derogatory term for Hartlepool residents, by other North-Easteners (England). From the fact that the town hanged a monkey during the Napoleonic wars, mistaking it for a French spy. Example: Have you met our new teacher? Yeah, she's a monkey-hanger Other Slang terms originating from event: Hartlefy: To execute an animal in the mistaken belief that it is a foreign spy. Example: What! They Hartlefied all the monkeys? Hartlepolarise: To render something a farce. Comes from Hartlepool, England, where the people once mistook a monkey for a Frenchman. Example: Don't bring John, he'll Hartlepolarise the whole trip. http://www.slangsite.com/slang/M.html Aug 26 07, 11:20 PM

queproblema

Wow! "Free bananas for schoolchildren!" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_hanger And I think a certain person around here better be mighty careful not to put on a uniform.... Aug 26 07, 11:36 PM

peasypod

Nice One voltaire, (my hero as one might consider) and what a plumb stance for a Golden Banana is this one, as qp innocently pointed out... Actually, I stumbled on this one last week in a vein attempt to crack one of Frankies. Aug 27 07, 5:13 PM