The Well-Known Pirates in History
Henry Morgan
Sir Henry Morgan was likely the most famous of the buccaneers. He was born around the year 1655 in England and left at an early age for a life at sea. Eventually Morgan was granted a license as a privateer and sailed to the coast of Central America, where he successfully raided several Spanish colonies. In 1665, he returned to Jamaica.
In 1668, Morgan and his men raided Portobello, on the coast of Panama, capturing the Spanish forts and castles. Morgan and his men captured the town and threatened it to the ground if the President of Panama did not pay a high ransom.
Word from England came that raids on the Spanish had to stop, so Morgan took the opportunity to purchase some property and settle down. However, when the Spanish declared war on Jamaica, Morgan was put in command of seeking and destroying any enemy vessel.
Joined by French buccaneers in 1671, Morgan assembled several ships and over 2,000 fighting men and decided to attack Panama, an important treasure port for the Spanish. The defenders of Panama, who outnumbered Morgan's company, were no match for the battle-hardened buccaneers. The pirates stole whatever valuables they could from citizens, and tortured others to reveal where any other treasure might be hidden.
Although Jamaica celebrated Morgan's raid of Panama, England was upset because they were officially at peace with Spain. Spain wanted Morgan to be punished for his attack and destruction of Panama. He was brought to England, but he was never put on trial. Subsequently, Morgan was named Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica and returned there in 1674. He became ill and died in 1688.
In 1668, Morgan and his men raided Portobello, on the coast of Panama, capturing the Spanish forts and castles. Morgan and his men captured the town and threatened it to the ground if the President of Panama did not pay a high ransom.
Word from England came that raids on the Spanish had to stop, so Morgan took the opportunity to purchase some property and settle down. However, when the Spanish declared war on Jamaica, Morgan was put in command of seeking and destroying any enemy vessel.
Joined by French buccaneers in 1671, Morgan assembled several ships and over 2,000 fighting men and decided to attack Panama, an important treasure port for the Spanish. The defenders of Panama, who outnumbered Morgan's company, were no match for the battle-hardened buccaneers. The pirates stole whatever valuables they could from citizens, and tortured others to reveal where any other treasure might be hidden.
Although Jamaica celebrated Morgan's raid of Panama, England was upset because they were officially at peace with Spain. Spain wanted Morgan to be punished for his attack and destruction of Panama. He was brought to England, but he was never put on trial. Subsequently, Morgan was named Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica and returned there in 1674. He became ill and died in 1688.
Did You Know?
A lot of what we know about Henry Morgan (1635-1688), comes from the book The BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA, written by A.O. Exquemelin, a buccaneer who traveled with him. Morgan sued the publisher of the book for libel, claiming some of the references to his ruthless brutality were untrue.
Captain Kidd
Captain Kidd's legend survives today as a result of the publicity surrounding his trial and public execution, and his mythical buried treasure that has yet to be discovered. He was born around the year 1645.
In about 1689, Kidd was outfitted as a privateer and he sailed to the West Indies to attack enemy ships in England's war with France. Afterward, he settled in New York as a businessman and politician, but in 1695 he sailed to England in search of another privateering commission.
He was granted a Marque, backed by wealthy government officials who instructed him to sail to the Red Sea and attack and capture French ships that were disrupting trade. He was ordered to bring back any booty to the English government.
Luck was not on his side, as many of his crew died from illnesses and they did not have much success finding enemy ships. Kidd ended up ignoring Marque and attacking Indian ships, including several from the East India Company, a major trade partner with England.
By 1699, Captain Kidd was wanted by the government of England as a pirate for not following his orders. He sailed for the West Indies, where he sold most of his booty and purchased a sloop.
With his remaining riches, Kidd returned to New York, and attempted to strike a deal with England for a pardon. Instead they had him arrested and brought back to England to face charges of piracy for attacking Indian trade ships. In 1701, Kidd was sentenced to death by hanging. His body was chained and hung at Tilbury Point as a warning to would-be pirates.
Some of Kidd’s treasure remains unaccounted for, and many believe that he stashed it near Gardiner's Island. It has never been found.
In about 1689, Kidd was outfitted as a privateer and he sailed to the West Indies to attack enemy ships in England's war with France. Afterward, he settled in New York as a businessman and politician, but in 1695 he sailed to England in search of another privateering commission.
He was granted a Marque, backed by wealthy government officials who instructed him to sail to the Red Sea and attack and capture French ships that were disrupting trade. He was ordered to bring back any booty to the English government.
Luck was not on his side, as many of his crew died from illnesses and they did not have much success finding enemy ships. Kidd ended up ignoring Marque and attacking Indian ships, including several from the East India Company, a major trade partner with England.
By 1699, Captain Kidd was wanted by the government of England as a pirate for not following his orders. He sailed for the West Indies, where he sold most of his booty and purchased a sloop.
With his remaining riches, Kidd returned to New York, and attempted to strike a deal with England for a pardon. Instead they had him arrested and brought back to England to face charges of piracy for attacking Indian trade ships. In 1701, Kidd was sentenced to death by hanging. His body was chained and hung at Tilbury Point as a warning to would-be pirates.
Some of Kidd’s treasure remains unaccounted for, and many believe that he stashed it near Gardiner's Island. It has never been found.
Did You Know?
Captain William Kidd was hanged on London’s Execution Dock in 1701. On the first attempt to hang him, the rope snapped, and it took a second time to succeed.
Mary Read
Mary Read was one of a few known female pirates, and concealed her identity by dressing, acting, and fighting as brutally as any man aboard a pirate ship. Read's parents had a son, but her mother secretly became pregnant and gave birth to Read while Read's father, a sailor, was out at sea.
When Read's brother became sick and died, Read's mother dressed Read in boy's clothes and disguised her as her brother. After much family hardship, Read continued to pass herself off as a boy. She was sent to work as a foot-boy for a French lady, and then she enlisted on a man-o-war, a type of warship.
Read ended up falling in love with a Flemish soldier who didn't know she was a woman, and eventually revealed her secret to him. They arranged a proper wedding and it was there that Read wore her first piece of women's clothing, a wedding dress. Read and her husband were forced to leave the army, but their colleagues so admired them that they donated money to help them get started on their new life together.
Read and her husband went away to the Netherlands, where they opened a small inn. Business declined after the war, and Read's husband died unexpectedly, forcing her to flee. She again dressed in men's clothes and sought employment on a vessel heading for the West Indies.
After returning home with her money running low, she took advantage of an opportunity to fight the Spaniards in the West Indies as a privateer. Like many other privateers, Read turned to a life of piracy. It was during this time that she raided and fought alongside another brave, disguised female pirate—Anne Bonny.
When Read's brother became sick and died, Read's mother dressed Read in boy's clothes and disguised her as her brother. After much family hardship, Read continued to pass herself off as a boy. She was sent to work as a foot-boy for a French lady, and then she enlisted on a man-o-war, a type of warship.
Read ended up falling in love with a Flemish soldier who didn't know she was a woman, and eventually revealed her secret to him. They arranged a proper wedding and it was there that Read wore her first piece of women's clothing, a wedding dress. Read and her husband were forced to leave the army, but their colleagues so admired them that they donated money to help them get started on their new life together.
Read and her husband went away to the Netherlands, where they opened a small inn. Business declined after the war, and Read's husband died unexpectedly, forcing her to flee. She again dressed in men's clothes and sought employment on a vessel heading for the West Indies.
After returning home with her money running low, she took advantage of an opportunity to fight the Spaniards in the West Indies as a privateer. Like many other privateers, Read turned to a life of piracy. It was during this time that she raided and fought alongside another brave, disguised female pirate—Anne Bonny.
Anne Bonny
Anne Bonny's childhood followed a very different path than Mary Read's, but fate remarkably brought these fearsome female pirates together. Bonny was born near Cork, Ireland. After a scandal that caused her family extreme public embarrassment, Anne's father took Bonny and her mother away to America to begin a new life.
Once there, her mother died, and Bonny began looking after the household affairs. She married a soldier without her father's consent, and he disinherited her, refusing to give her any money. Anne and her husband then sailed for the island of Providence, a haven for pirates, to find employment.
It was at Providence that Bonny met the famous pirate "Calico Jack" Rackam. Looking for a life of excitement, Bonny dressed herself in men's clothes and eloped with Calico Jack for a life of pirating.
After some time at sea, Bonny became pregnant. Since the crew did not know that Bonny was a woman, Bonny and Calico Jack knew that her secret would soon be revealed if she stayed on board. They decided that Bonny would live in Cuba until the child was born and Calico Jack would come back for her.
Later, Bonny returned to the pirating life and sailed with Mary Read at some point. Legend says that the two women were the most courageous members of the crew, and led the boarding of the enemy ships' decks to fight. Eventually, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack were captured and put on trial.
Bonny was disappointed with Calico Jack's lack of leadership and willingness to fight. She was said to have told him before his execution, "If you would have fought like a man, they wouldn't have to hang you like a dog." Calico Jack Rackam was executed and Mary Read died of fever in prison. No one knows for sure what happened to Anne Bonny.
Once there, her mother died, and Bonny began looking after the household affairs. She married a soldier without her father's consent, and he disinherited her, refusing to give her any money. Anne and her husband then sailed for the island of Providence, a haven for pirates, to find employment.
It was at Providence that Bonny met the famous pirate "Calico Jack" Rackam. Looking for a life of excitement, Bonny dressed herself in men's clothes and eloped with Calico Jack for a life of pirating.
After some time at sea, Bonny became pregnant. Since the crew did not know that Bonny was a woman, Bonny and Calico Jack knew that her secret would soon be revealed if she stayed on board. They decided that Bonny would live in Cuba until the child was born and Calico Jack would come back for her.
Later, Bonny returned to the pirating life and sailed with Mary Read at some point. Legend says that the two women were the most courageous members of the crew, and led the boarding of the enemy ships' decks to fight. Eventually, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack were captured and put on trial.
Bonny was disappointed with Calico Jack's lack of leadership and willingness to fight. She was said to have told him before his execution, "If you would have fought like a man, they wouldn't have to hang you like a dog." Calico Jack Rackam was executed and Mary Read died of fever in prison. No one knows for sure what happened to Anne Bonny.
Edward Teach. Alias Blackbeard
Not much is known about Edward Teach, the famed "Blackbeard," but he was probably born sometime in the late 17th century in England. Around 1716, while privateering for England, he captured a French ship that he would make famous as his flagship, fitting it with more cannons and renaming it Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Blackbeard is best known for his daunting and fearsome disposition. He was said to be a large and menacing figure, and received his nickname from his long scraggly beard, which was tied at the ends with ribbons.
Blackbeard was ruthless, plundering ships at will along the Atlantic coast of America. Once, he blockaded the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina to bargain for medical supplies for his men, also stealing gold and silver from the ships he took hostage.
After that incident, Blackbeard sailed north along the coast, grounding his ship and one other. Some historians think he did this on purpose, either to keep more of the collected booty for himself, or to careen his ship and recover from a whirlwind year of plundering.
Taking only the best of his crew and the majority of the loot on a small sloop, he marooned the rest of the crew on a small, uninhabited island. Then he sailed to Carolina and was granted a pardon. However, Blackbeard was a pirate at heart and was soon back on the high seas. In 1718, the Governor of Virginia declared a proclamation to hunt down the pirate.
He sent two naval sloops to find him. One of the ships found Blackbeard near Orcacoke Inlet in November of that year, and a fearsome close-quarters battle ensued. The captain of the naval ship and Blackbeard faced each other in the fight. Blackbeard purportedly received 25 wounds before finally dying. The naval captain cut off Blackbeard's head and hung it on the bowsprit of his ship as he sailed back home.
Blackbeard is best known for his daunting and fearsome disposition. He was said to be a large and menacing figure, and received his nickname from his long scraggly beard, which was tied at the ends with ribbons.
Blackbeard was ruthless, plundering ships at will along the Atlantic coast of America. Once, he blockaded the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina to bargain for medical supplies for his men, also stealing gold and silver from the ships he took hostage.
After that incident, Blackbeard sailed north along the coast, grounding his ship and one other. Some historians think he did this on purpose, either to keep more of the collected booty for himself, or to careen his ship and recover from a whirlwind year of plundering.
Taking only the best of his crew and the majority of the loot on a small sloop, he marooned the rest of the crew on a small, uninhabited island. Then he sailed to Carolina and was granted a pardon. However, Blackbeard was a pirate at heart and was soon back on the high seas. In 1718, the Governor of Virginia declared a proclamation to hunt down the pirate.
He sent two naval sloops to find him. One of the ships found Blackbeard near Orcacoke Inlet in November of that year, and a fearsome close-quarters battle ensued. The captain of the naval ship and Blackbeard faced each other in the fight. Blackbeard purportedly received 25 wounds before finally dying. The naval captain cut off Blackbeard's head and hung it on the bowsprit of his ship as he sailed back home.
Did You Know?
During battles, Blackbeard carried several cutlasses and smoking pistols, and even lit matches under his hat to scare his victims!
Stede Bonnet
Major Stede Bonnet retired from the King's guard to a life of good wealth and fortune on a large estate in Barbados during the late 17th century. Bonnet had plenty of money, was a snappy dresser, and was a well-educated and traveled man, unlike most of the pirates on the high seas.
In 1717, he purchased the sloop Revenge, probably because he was bored with his retired life. Bonnet was known as the "gentleman's pirate" for his demeanor, the way he treated others, his educational background, and his fancy dress.
Bonnet and his crew sailed from Barbados to the coasts of North America. Here they plundered a fewer ships, but his crew quickly realized that he knew nothing about captaining a ship. During this time of restlessness they came in contact with one of Blackboard’s pirate ships off the coast of Carolina.
Blackbeard convinced Bonnet to allow one of his crew members to take command of the Revenge. Blackbeard also suggested that Bonnet join him on his ship and that they share whatever booty they plundered. Bonnet reluctantly agreed, leaving the Revenge to sail with Blackbeard.
While sailing with Blackbeard's company, they managed to attack and successfully plunder several ships. When Blackbeard learned of the opportunity for a pardon, he decided to take it and suggested that Bonnet do the same. Bonnet, with some of his crew, went to North Carolina to receive their pardons. Bonnet then received a Marque to fight in the war against Spain.
When Bonnet returned to claim the Revenge, he found that Blackbeard had looted it. Bonnet returned to piracy and was able to plunder several ships, but was captured during a battle with privateer sloops in 1718. He surrendered after a lengthy fight, and was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was found guilty of the siege of the harbor.
In 1718, Stede Bonnet was put on trial and subsequently hanged for his crimes as a pirate. We’ll never know why he gave up his cozy secure retirement for a life of piracy.
In 1717, he purchased the sloop Revenge, probably because he was bored with his retired life. Bonnet was known as the "gentleman's pirate" for his demeanor, the way he treated others, his educational background, and his fancy dress.
Bonnet and his crew sailed from Barbados to the coasts of North America. Here they plundered a fewer ships, but his crew quickly realized that he knew nothing about captaining a ship. During this time of restlessness they came in contact with one of Blackboard’s pirate ships off the coast of Carolina.
Blackbeard convinced Bonnet to allow one of his crew members to take command of the Revenge. Blackbeard also suggested that Bonnet join him on his ship and that they share whatever booty they plundered. Bonnet reluctantly agreed, leaving the Revenge to sail with Blackbeard.
While sailing with Blackbeard's company, they managed to attack and successfully plunder several ships. When Blackbeard learned of the opportunity for a pardon, he decided to take it and suggested that Bonnet do the same. Bonnet, with some of his crew, went to North Carolina to receive their pardons. Bonnet then received a Marque to fight in the war against Spain.
When Bonnet returned to claim the Revenge, he found that Blackbeard had looted it. Bonnet returned to piracy and was able to plunder several ships, but was captured during a battle with privateer sloops in 1718. He surrendered after a lengthy fight, and was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was found guilty of the siege of the harbor.
In 1718, Stede Bonnet was put on trial and subsequently hanged for his crimes as a pirate. We’ll never know why he gave up his cozy secure retirement for a life of piracy.
Sam Bellamy
Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy was the captain of the only pirate ship that has been discovered and identified, the Whydah. During the Golden Age of piracy, many ships—including treasure-filled galleons—fell victim to unpredictable, severe storms because they didn't have modern day radar and communication devices to warn them of foul weather.
Historians believe Bellamy was a treasure hunter who searched for these lost ships, hoping to find valuables buried at sea. After a string of bad luck while searching for lost treasures, he and his partner turned to piracy instead.
Bellamy attacked and plundered many vessels, but his most remarkable capture was the galley Whydah, traveling from Jamaica to London. When Bellamy captured the ship, he was delighted to find it was full of money, gold, ivory, and other goods. In 1717, he outfitted the Whydah with more cannons and recruited a crew of about 150.
Bellamy eventually left the Caribbean for New England, capturing several ships and collecting booty. Most pirates treated their prisoners cruelly and often tortured or killed them, especially those who resisted or refused to cooperate, but Bellamy was different.
He once captured a pirate ship and offered to return it to the captain. But Bellamy's crew was upset over this kind gesture, so he sank the ship, still offering to join forces with the defeated captain. When the captain refused, Bellamy left him alone on a deserted island.
Unfortunately for Bellamy, he encountered one French ship that he shouldn't have tried to attack. After thwarting a couple of deadly assaults, Bellamy managed to escape at night and headed toward Cape Cod to repair the Whydah. It was here that a fateful storm sank the Whydah along with its riches, ending Sam Bellamy's life.
Historians believe Bellamy was a treasure hunter who searched for these lost ships, hoping to find valuables buried at sea. After a string of bad luck while searching for lost treasures, he and his partner turned to piracy instead.
Bellamy attacked and plundered many vessels, but his most remarkable capture was the galley Whydah, traveling from Jamaica to London. When Bellamy captured the ship, he was delighted to find it was full of money, gold, ivory, and other goods. In 1717, he outfitted the Whydah with more cannons and recruited a crew of about 150.
Bellamy eventually left the Caribbean for New England, capturing several ships and collecting booty. Most pirates treated their prisoners cruelly and often tortured or killed them, especially those who resisted or refused to cooperate, but Bellamy was different.
He once captured a pirate ship and offered to return it to the captain. But Bellamy's crew was upset over this kind gesture, so he sank the ship, still offering to join forces with the defeated captain. When the captain refused, Bellamy left him alone on a deserted island.
Unfortunately for Bellamy, he encountered one French ship that he shouldn't have tried to attack. After thwarting a couple of deadly assaults, Bellamy managed to escape at night and headed toward Cape Cod to repair the Whydah. It was here that a fateful storm sank the Whydah along with its riches, ending Sam Bellamy's life.
Bartholomew Roberts
Bartholomew "Black Bart" Roberts plundered more than 400 ships during his lifetime, making him one of the most prolific and successful pirates in history. He started his life on the sea in 1719, working as part the African slave trade. Roberts went on to pillage ships in the West Indies and off the coast of Newfoundland, attacking and capturing several sloops and fishing boats.
It is rumored that he didn't indulge in liquor like most pirates did, but his brutal antics made him a feared man. Roberts tortured prisoners horribly, instilling fear in his crew. After pillaging the ships he attacked, he often burned them.
Roberts managed to sail and plunder along the African coast, taking more and more ships as he went. Eventually, the British warship Swallow caught up with Roberts and his company of pirates. Roberts sensed the threat by the warship and sent one of his ships, the Ranger, to chase the Swallow.
A battle ensued, and the Ranger was struck broadside, causing the pirates to surrender after losing many men. However, bad weather and rough seas prevented the Swallow from taking on Roberts directly. The stormy weather continued, but Captain Ogle was eager to attack. He tricked Roberts by raising a French flag, which caused great confusion.
When the Swallow was close enough to fire the cannons, Ogle ordered that the British flag be raised, and the battle began. After an exchange of broadsides, Bartholomew Roberts was found drooped over a cannon, killed in the barrage. The rest of the pirates in Roberts' company surrendered, resulting in the hanging of 54 men.
It is rumored that he didn't indulge in liquor like most pirates did, but his brutal antics made him a feared man. Roberts tortured prisoners horribly, instilling fear in his crew. After pillaging the ships he attacked, he often burned them.
Roberts managed to sail and plunder along the African coast, taking more and more ships as he went. Eventually, the British warship Swallow caught up with Roberts and his company of pirates. Roberts sensed the threat by the warship and sent one of his ships, the Ranger, to chase the Swallow.
A battle ensued, and the Ranger was struck broadside, causing the pirates to surrender after losing many men. However, bad weather and rough seas prevented the Swallow from taking on Roberts directly. The stormy weather continued, but Captain Ogle was eager to attack. He tricked Roberts by raising a French flag, which caused great confusion.
When the Swallow was close enough to fire the cannons, Ogle ordered that the British flag be raised, and the battle began. After an exchange of broadsides, Bartholomew Roberts was found drooped over a cannon, killed in the barrage. The rest of the pirates in Roberts' company surrendered, resulting in the hanging of 54 men.