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Captured by Barbary corsairs: an Englishwoman's extraordinary tale

Captured by Barbary corsairs: an Englishwoman's extraordinary tale

Elizabeth Marsh was taken hostage in 1756 and carried off to a Moroccan prince – Adam Nichols tells the remarkable story of what happened next

Spencer Mizen

Published: March 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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In 1756, Elizabeth Marsh set sail from Gibraltar to Britain with the intention of meeting her fiancé. Instead, she was captured by Barbary corsairs – effectively pirates operating from north Africa, carrying off their victims into slavery – and taken to a Moroccan prince. But could she win her freedom? Here, talking to Spencer Mizen, Adam Nichols tells a story of lust, trickery, a fake marriage and the delicate relationship between Britain and the power brokers of north Africa.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine