Mary Wilcocks blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Princess Caraboo Real name Mary Wilcocks 1791-1864 Arrived in Almondsbury on April 3rd 1817 and successfully passed herself off as Princess Caraboo from Javasu (a non-existent island) from which she claimed to have been kidnapped by pirates. Exposed ten weeks later, Mary emigrated to America returning to London 1824 and subsequently Bedminster where she became a leech dealer. From 1851 to the end of her life she lived at No 11 Princess Street. Recorded plaque organisation: Bristol Council.

Mary Wilcocks, known for her elaborate hoax as Princess Caraboo from the fictional island of Javasu, deceived the residents of Almondsbury in 1817 with her convincing act and exotic persona before being exposed; she later lived variously as an emigrant to America and a leech dealer in England.