Doctor Syn was created by the writer Russell Thorndike in 1915 in his book by the same name. Dr Syn has made many appearances since then in a number of films the first being Doctor Syn in 1937 starring George Arliss & Margaret Lockwood. The fictional parson was one of the best-known residents of Dymchurch, and went on to lead a secret life as the Scarecrow, leader of a gang of Romney Marsh smugglers and was also the notorious pirate Captain Clegg. He is remembered biannually in Dymchurch when they hold a Days of Syn Festival and events from the books are re-enacted on the seashore.