Pirates of the Golden Age

During what is known as the Golden Age of Piracy, pirates reaped great rewards—and, if they were caught, faced terrible punishments. Here are some of the most legendary pirates of that time.

Captain Henry Morgan (1635-1688). On behalf of Jamaica, the ruthless privateer Henry Morgan attacked Spanish cities and ships, killing and torturing prisoners. Morgan became very wealthy and was generously rewarded for his deeds. He was eventually knighted and appointed Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.

Captain Henry Morgan (1635-1688). Morgan’s most daring exploit was the capture and destruction of Panama City after a grueling march through the Central American jungle with 2,000 buccaneers. To survive, some of the buccaneers ate their leather satchels.

Captain William Kidd (1645-1701). Captain Kidd had a license from Lord Bellomont, the governor of New England and New York, and King William III of England to hunt down pirates and capture French ships.

Captain William Kidd (1645-1701). In 1697, aboard his ship Adventure Galley, Kidd captured his largest prize ever—a richly loaded Moorish ship, The Quedah Merchant. Kidd assumed the ship was a legitimate prize. But when its French papers were not found, Kidd was put on trial in London for piracy and found guilty. His tarred body was hung along the Thames and left to rot—a grim warning of the fate that awaited pirates.

Edward Teach, or Blackbeard (1680-1701). Blackbeard may have been the most notorious pirate of all. Fierce and ferocious-looking, he stood 6’4” tall and had wild eyes and an explosive temper. To add to the effect, he tucked slow-burning cannon fuses under his hat.

Edward Teach, or Blackbeard (1680-1718). With headquarters in the Bahamas and North Carolina, Blackbeard and his band terrorized people along the North Atlantic coast and loaded his flagship-the Queen Anne's Revenge-with prizes. Eventually the citizens of North Carolina turned to Governor Spotswood of Virginia for help.

Edward Teach, or Blackbeard (1680-1718). In November 1718 Blackbeard was finally chased down and killed in a fierce battle off Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina. He received five bullet wounds and 20 sword cuts before dying. Then his head was suspended from the end of a bowsprit.

Major Stede Bonnet (unknown-1718). Middle-aged and a retired soldier, Bonnet was an unlikely pirate. Yet he bought a sloop, armed it with 10 guns, and hired a crew of about 60 men. Then he sailed to the east coast of America and embarked on the life of a pirate. At one point he even teamed up briefly with Blackbeard. Bonnet was sometimes known as the Gentleman Pirate.

Major Stede Bonnet (unknown, 1718). Like many pirates, Stede Bonnett was eventually caught and executed. He was hung along with 30 of his crew in Charleston, South Carolina.

Ann Bonny (1700-unknown) and Mary Read (unknown-1721). Yes, there were women pirates! And Bonny (left) and Read were among the most famous. Dressed in men’s clothes, they fought side-by-side with other pirates—many of whom believed the two women were men. In the Caribbean, Ann Bonny and Mary Read served with Captain “Calico” Jack Rackham. In 1720 Rackham and his entire crew were captured and executed—except for Bonny and Read. They said to the judge: “My Lord, we plead our bellies.” Both Bonny and Read were pregnant, and they were sent to prison instead.

Ann Bonny (1700-unknown) and Mary Read (unknown-1721). In the Caribbean, Ann Bonny and Mary Read served with Captain “Calico” Jack Rackham. In 1720 Rackham and his entire crew were captured and executed—except for Bonny and Read. They said to the judge: “My Lord, we plead our bellies.” Both Bonny and Read were pregnant, and they were sent to prison instead.

Bartholomew Roberts (1682-1722). Roberts dressed in embroidered coats and hats with feathered plumes, like an elegant gentleman. One of the most successful pirates of all, he captured 400 vessels in just three years!

Bartholomew Roberts (1682-1722). Eventually, however, Bartholomew Roberts’ luck came to end. He was killed off the coast of Africa. Following his wishes, his crew threw his body into the sea—finery and all. Then, in the largest pirate trial ever held, 52 members of Roberts’ crew were tried and hung—helping to bring the Golden Age of Piracy to a close.