Famous Pirates of History: From Avery to Anne Bonny

This article explores some of the most famous pirates throughout history, focusing on figures like Henry Avery, Edward Teach (Blackbeard), and Anne Bonny. These pirates left indelible marks on maritime history and have captured the imagination of people for centuries.

Henry Avery: The Largesse of Suratte

Henry Avery, also known as Long Ben or Captain Long, lived an extraordinary life that began on the warship Charles II. Avery's journey to piracy started with a mutiny, during which he became the captain and renamed the ship to the Fancy.

His most notable achievement was the sacking of a Mughal vessel, which carried an estimated 97 million dollars worth of treasures and gold, according to today's financial valuation. Avery and Thomas Tew, another pirate, orchestrated the attack with remarkable success. However, Avery's parting ways with his crew prove to be the most intriguing chapter of his story.

Desperate to protect the treasure from recognition, Avery convinced his fellow pirates that his ship, Fancy, was the safest place for the treasure. In a daring move, he divided the loot between himself and his crew late at night, after ensuring his own share. The incident triggered a worldwide manhunt, but Avery's whereabouts remained a mystery. Despite various rumors and unproven sightings, he is believed to have retired with his wealth in an undisclosed location, living to an old age.

Edward Teach: Blackbeard, the King of Pirates

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is arguably the most well-known pirate in history. Very little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he worked on ships or served as a privateer at some point. His career as a pirate took off when he befriended another pirate, Benjamin Hornigold, and settled on the island of New Providence.

Blackbeard's legacy is cemented by the capture of the French slave ship La Concorde, which he renamed Queen Anne's Revenge. Equipped with 40 cannons and a significantly large crew, Queen Anne's Revenge became a formidable force in the 1700s. Perhaps his most daring act was the blockade of Charles Town, South Carolina, where he held its residents for ransom.

Feeling the heat from the authorities, Blackbeard chose to abandon his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, which ran aground off the shore of North Carolina. He later accepted a royal pardon, but his tempestuous nature led him to resume piracy. His final days are shrouded in mystery, with some accounts suggesting that he was captured by Governor Alexander Spotswood and killed in a battle. Another less corroborated story claims that his head was cut off during the fight, and his body fell into the sea before swimming three laps around the ship. Regardless of the details, Blackbeard's life culminated tragically on November 22nd, 1718.

Anne Bonny: A True Female Pirate

Among the few well-known female pirates, Anne Bonny stands out as one of the most prominent figures. Raised in Charleston, North Carolina, Anne had a turbulent relationship with her wealthy family and eventually eloped with James Bonny, only to abandon him shortly after.

Seeking adventure, Anne sailed to New Providence, a notorious pirate haven, where she quickly made a name for herself. Known for her tomboyish nature, she gained a fearsome reputation, as evidenced by the incident where she shot off the ear of a drunken sailor who tried to harm her. Anne spent time with Calico Jack and eventually became his comrade, sharing a strong bond with her male counterpart, Mark Read.

One fateful night, Calico Jack's resentment against Mark led to a confrontational scene that revealed Anne and Mark to be women. Despite this shocking discovery, the two women remained close, and together they continued their pirating endeavors. Their adventures came to an abrupt end when they were captured by Captain Barnett. All three were sentenced to hanging, but they managed to convince the court that Anne and Mary (Mark's actual name) were unintentionally pregnant, leading to their pardon. Mary Bonny passed away from illness in prison, while Anne Bonny disappeared from historical records, leaving her fate shrouded in mystery.

These pirates serve as fascinating markers in historical and maritime lore, inspiring numerous tales and adaptations in popular culture, including the video game Uncharted 4.