Tintin Fans Can Now Visit Captain Haddock’s Historic 17th-Century Tomb In Essex

Billions of blistering barnacles! And ten thousand thundering typhoons! Here’s a mystery that Tintin and Captain Haddock would have loved to solve: the 300-year-old tomb in Essex linked to Tintin’s best friend, Haddock. We are referring to the tomb of Mary Haddock, the mother of Admiral Richard Haddock. It is believed that the admiral inspired the character of Captain Haddock in Belgian author Hergé's "Adventures of Tintin."

An Unusual Historic Structure

This little-known tomb, located in a churchyard in Leigh-on-Sea in the UK, has been recognised by Historic England as one of the quirkier sites to receive listed status in 2024. Constructed in 1688, the tomb of Mary Anna Haddock is a remarkable testament to her legacy, hailed by heritage experts as “notable as a single monument to a named woman in a period of gender inequality.” Mary, who married into the illustrious Haddock family known for its celebrated seafarers, was the mother of Admiral Richard Haddock. His influence e s said to have inspired Hergé’s iconic Captain Haddock character in The Adventures of Tintin comics. Also noteworthy is the tomb beside hers, that of her father, William Goodlad. A prominent whaler, Goodlad played a pivotal role in shaping British maritime routes and led the very first British whaling expedition to Norway, marking a significant chapter in naval history.

The tomb is among 17 “remarkable and unusual historic buildings and places” that have been given protection. Historic England argues that these sites collectively highlight the diversity of England’s heritage.

Lesser Known Heritage Sites

The annual Historic England roundup reveals a fascinating array of lesser-known heritage sites among the 211 buildings and historic locations designated in 2024. Among them, the Haddock tomb stands out as one of three “exceptionally rare” 17th-century stone chest tombs in the churchyard of St Clement in Leigh-on-Sea. Each of these tombs, now granted Grade II listing, carries a unique and compelling story that deserves recognition. This year’s Historic England list also features a delightful bungalow-style maternity ward and an enchanting early 20th-century fingerpost—a distinctive crossroads signal adorned with pointing fingers—both celebrated as Grade II sites.