'The Irish Zorro' : the extraordinary adventures of William Lamport (1615-1659)

Summary

In the Crypt of Heroes at Mexico City's Column of Independence sits a bust dedicated to the memory of William Lamport of Wexford. A local elementary school also bears his name, and his story is said to be the origin of the fictional icon, Zorro. Arrested for treason at 13, he was a pirate general at 14, and at the age of 19, played a crucial role in the Battle of Nordingen in 1634. He achieved a place at the court of Philip IV of Spain, but fled following a scandalous affair with a noblewoman. He was later charged with plotting a revolution in Mexico. This is his story.