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List of pirates facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a list of known pirates, buccaneers, corsairs, privateers, river pirates, and others involved in piracy and piracy-related activities. This list includes both captains and prominent crew members. For a list of female pirates, see women in piracy. For pirates of fiction or myth, see list of fictional pirates.

Ancient World: 315 BC–197 AD

Pompey by Nasidius
Denarius coin of Sextus Pompeius, Roman pirate and general from the Roman Republic era of 44–43 BC. AR Denarius (3.85 g, 3h). Massilia (Gaul) mint. Q. Nasidius, moneyer. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; trident before, dolphin below / Ship sailing right; star above.
GanNing
Gan Ning was a notorious pirate and marauder in the late 190s CE, who became a Chinese military general serving under the warlord Sun Quan during the late Eastern Han dynasty.
Name Life Years active Country of origin Comments
Anicetus, Anicetus d. 69 Pontus (Hellenic) Was the leader of an unsuccessful anti-Roman uprising in Pontus in 69
Gannascus d. 47 AD 41–47 Cananefates (Netherlands) Deserted Cananefate soldier. Leading pirate raids of the Chauci into province Gallia Belgica (Belgium) between AD 41–47, when he was captured by the Romans.
Demetrius of Pharos, Demetrius of Pharos d. 214 BC Pharos (Hellenic) His actions precipitated the Second Illyrian War.
Dionysius the Phocaean, Dionysius the Phocaean fl. 494 BC 494 BC Greece Phocaean admiral active against Carthaginian and Tyrsenian merchants in the years following the Greco–Persian Wars.
Gan Ning, Gan Ning fl. 180s–210s 190–197 China His party carried bells as their trademark to frighten the commoners.
Teuta of Illyria, Teuta of Illyria fl. 231–227 BC Illyria Queen regent, fostered the pirates among her people, and had a Roman diplomat killed by them.
Genthus of Illyria, Genthus of Illyria fl. 181–168 BC Illyria Was accused by the Romans of organizing and aiding pirate raids in Italy.
Glauketas, Glauketas fl. 315–300 BC 315–300 BC Greece Greek inscriptions of the Athenian navy raiding his base on Kynthnos Island and capturing him and his men read "making the sea safe for those that sailed thereon."
Pompeius, SextusSextus Pompeius 67–35 BC Rome He was the last focus of opposition to the Second Triumvirate.

Middle Ages: 400–1585

Arudsch-barbarossa
Aruj, or Oruç, Reis was a Barbary privateer and later Admiral in Ottoman service who became known as Barbarossa – or Redbeard – amongst Christians.
Awilda
Awilda was a 5th-century pirate who, along with friends, dressed up as sailors and commandeered a ship.
Rekonstruierter Schaedel
Klaus Störtebeker was a 14th–15th century German pirate and one of the leaders of the Likedeelers, a combination of former Victual Brothers (Vitalienbrüder) who roamed Northern European seas.
Yermak Timofeyevich
Yermak Timofeyevich, a 16th-century Cossack river pirate who started the Russian conquest of Siberia in the reign of Tsar Ivan the Terrible
Name Life Years Active Country of origin Comments
Alday, JamesJames Alday 1516–1576 1540s England An English privateer. Raided Spanish ports with James Logan and William Cooke.
Hawley, JohnJohn Hawley 1340–1408 1380s England An English mayor, privateer and alleged pirate. Raided in the English Channel.
Aleyn, WilliamWilliam Aleyn fl. 1448 1432–1448 England English pirate active in the Thames and English Channel. Associate of William Kyd.
Ango, JeanJean Ango 1480–1551 France A French ship-owner who provided ships to Francis I for exploration of the globe.
Aruj, Aruj 1474–1518 1503–1518 Ottoman Empire An Ottoman privateer and Bey (Governor) of Algiers and Beylerbey (Chief Governor) of the West Mediterranean.
Awilda, Awilda 5th century Scandinavia She and some of her female friends dressed like sailors and commandeered a ship.
Barbarossa, HayreddinHayreddin Barbarossa c. 1478–1546 1504–1545 Ottoman Empire An Ottoman privateer and later Admiral who dominated the Mediterranean for decades.
Barnim 6 Barnim VI, Duke of Pomerania c. 1365–1405 1394–1405 Germany (Pomerania) A Pomeranian duke supporting privateers in the Baltic Sea region and later going on pirate raids himself.
Cossa, BaldassareBaldassare Cossa 1370–1415 Procida Antipope during the Western Schism, John XXIII was accused of—among other crimes—piracy.
de Clisson, JeanneJeanne de Clisson 1300–1359 1343-1356 Brittany A French-Breton pirate. She raided French towns and ships in the English Channel.
Crabbe, JohnJohn Crabbe d. 1352 1305–1332 Flanders Flemish pirate known for his successful use of a ship-mounted catapult. Once won the favor of Robert the Bruce and acted as a naval officer for England during the Hundred Years' War (after being captured by King Edward III.)
Donia, Pier GerlofsPier Gerlofs Donia c. 1480–1520 Netherlands (Frisia) From Arum, Friesland. Known as Grutte Pier 'big Pier' because of his length. Another nickname was 'Cross of the Dutchmen'. A Frisian warrior, pirate, freedom fighter, folk hero and rebel. Mainly active with his band De Arumer Zwarte Hoop 'Arum's Black Heap' at the Zuyderzee, the Netherlands.
Eindridesson, ErlendErlend Eindridesson 1445–? Norway Norwegian nobleman, plundered German ships in the Sognefjord.
Eric of Pomerania, Eric of Pomerania c. 1381-82–1459 Germany (Pomerania) The first king of the Nordic Kalmar Union, he spent his last years living on the island of Gothland and "sent forth piratical expeditions against friend and foe alike".
Erlingsson, AlvAlv Erlingsson d. 1290 Norway He was a favorite of the Queen, yet committed countless acts of piracy throughout his life
Eustace the Monk, Eustace the Monk c. 1170–1217 France He was a mercenary for both England and France.
Fleury, JeanJean Fleury d. 1527 c. 1521–1527 France French privateer and naval officer under Jean Ango. Seized three Spanish ships carrying Aztec treasure from Mexico to Spain in 1523.
Guynemer of Boulogne, Guynemer of Boulogne fl. 1097 1080s–1090s County of Boulogne Boulognese pirate who played a role in the First Crusade.
Heinason, MagnusMagnus Heinason 1545–1589 Faroe Islands Faroese naval hero and privateer. Was executed for piracy, though charges were later dropped.
Henszlein, KleinKlein Henszlein d. 1573 1560–1573 Germany A 16th-century pirate who raided shipping in the North Sea until his defeat and capture by a fleet from Hamburg
Jelckama, WijerdWijerd Jelckama c. 1490–1523 Germany (Frisia) The nephew of Pier Gerlofs Donia (also known as Grutte Pier), fought along his side against the Saxon and Hollandic invaders.
Kyd, WilliamWilliam Kyd fl. 1430–1453 1430s–1450s England English pirate active in South West England during the early-to-mid-15th century.
Michels, GödekeGödeke Michels d. 1402 1392–1402 Germany A German pirate and one of the leaders of the Likedeelers, a combination of former Victual Brothers (Vitalienbrüder)
Pechlin, MartinMartin Pechlin 1480–1526 Germany Died in Mandal, Norway. One of the most feared pirates in his time
Pining, DidrikDidrik Pining c. 1430–1491 Germany A pirate and privateer operating in the North Sea. Often partnered with Hans Pothorst.
Pothorst, HansHans Pothorst c. 1440–1490 Germany A pirate and privateer operating in the North Sea. Often partnered with Didrik Pining.
Reis, SalihSalih Reis c. 1488–1568 Ottoman Empire A Turkish privateer and Ottoman admiral.
Reis, TurgutTurgut Reis 1485–1565 Ottoman Empire A Turkish privateer and Ottoman admiral as well as Bey of Algiers; Beylerbey of the Mediterranean; and first Bey later Pasha of Tripoli.
Störtebeker, KlausKlaus Störtebeker 1360–1401 1392–1401 Germany A German pirate and one of the leaders of the Likedeelers, a combination of former Victual Brothers (Vitalienbrüder)
Timofeyevich, YermakYermak Timofeyevich c. 1532-42–1585 ?–1582 Russia A leader of a gang of river pirates, along the Don River region, of Russia and later, led an expedition, in the Russian conquest of Siberia, in the reign of Tsar Ivan the Terrible.
Trondson, KristofferKristoffer Trondson c. 1500–1565 c. 1535–1542 Norway A Norwegian nobleman-turned pirate and privateer. Operated in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Gave up piracy in 1542 and eventually, became admiral of the Danish-Norwegian Fleet.
Voet, BartholomeusBartholomeus Voet b. early 1400 Germany Second leader of Victual Brothers, plundered and burned down the Norwegian city Bergen in 1429
Wichmann, HennigHennig Wichmann 1370–1402 1392–1402 Germany A German pirate and one of the leaders of the Likedeelers, a combination of former Victual Brothers (Vitalienbrüder)
Widderich, CordCord Widderich d. 1447 1404–1447 Germany A pirate active during political conflicts between Dithmarschen and North Frisia in the early 15th century.
Wigbold, MagisterMagister Wigbold 1365–1402 1392–1402 Germany A German pirate and one of the leaders of the Likedeelers, a combination of former Victual Brothers (Vitalienbrüder)
Wimund, Wimund b. 1147 England He was a bishop who became a seafaring warlord adventurer.

Rise of the English Sea Dogs and Dutch Corsairs: 1560–1650

Thomas Cavendish
The first man to intentionally circumnavigate the globe, Thomas Cavendish also raided numerous Spanish towns and ships in the New World.
1590 or later Marcus Gheeraerts, Sir Francis Drake Buckland Abbey, Devon
Known as "el Draque" (the Dragon) in Spain, Sir Francis Drake raided Spanish merchant shipping in the Atlantic.
Piet Hein
After serving as a Spanish galley slave for four years, Piet Hein later captured 11,509,524 guilders of cargo from the Spanish treasure fleet.
The meeting of Grace O'Malley and Queen Elizabeth I
Gráinne O'Malley (left of frame) was an important figure in Irish legend who is still recognised in popular culture today.
John Hawkins
Sir John Hawkins. An Elizabethan corsair active off the coasts of West Africa and Venezuela
Sir Francis Verney
Sir Francis Verney was one of the most feared Barbary corsairs during the early 17th century.
Jameslancaster
Sir James Lancaster VI commanded the first East India Company voyage in 1601
William Segar Sir Walter Raleigh 1598
Sir Walter Raleigh who commanded two expedition to search the golden city of El Dorado in Spanish colony of Guayana (actual Venezuela)
Sir George Somers portrait
Sir George Somers. In 1595 co-led with Amyas Preston the raid on Caracas and Coro
Name Life Years Active Country of origin Comments
Ali, UlujUluj Ali 1519–1587 1536–1550 Turkey An Italian-born Muslim corsair, who later became an Ottoman admiral and Chief Admiral (Kaptan-ı Derya) of the Ottoman Fleet in the 16th century.
Alvel, NicholasNicholas Alvel early 17th century 1603 England Active in the Ionian Sea.
Avilés, Pedro Menéndez dePedro Menéndez de Avilés 1519–1574 1565 Spanish A Spanish Admiral and pirate hunter, de Aviles is remembered for his destruction of the French settlement of Fort Caroline in 1565.
Axe, SamuelSamuel Axe early 17th century 1629–1645 England An English privateer in Dutch service, Axe served with English forces in the Dutch Revolt against Habsburg rule.
Barton, AndrewSir Andrew Barton 1466–1511 to 1511 Scotland Served under a Scottish letter of marque, but was described a pirate by English and Portuguese.
Blauvelt, AbrahamAbraham Blauvelt d. 1663 1640–1663 Netherlands One of the last Dutch corsairs of the mid-17th century, Blauvelt mapped much of South America.
Bois, Jambe deJambe de Bois d. 1563 1550s–1560s France Known for his sacking of Santiago de Cuba in 1554
Bontemps, JeanJean Bontemps early 16th century 1559–1572 France Active in the Caribbean Sea. He attacked Santa Marta, Cartagena de Indias, Rio de Hacha and Margarita island.
Bouff, Jan deJan de Bouff early 17th century 1602 Netherlands de Bouff served as a Dunkirker in Habsburg service during the Dutch Revolt.
Brasiliano, RockRock Brasiliano c. 1630–1671? c. 1654–1671 Netherlands,Brazilian Pirate born in the town of Groningen, long residence of Dutch colony of Brasil. Active in the Caribbean and captain of pirates of Jamaica. Known for his fury and great cruelty, especially against Spaniards.
Brouwer, HendrikHendrik Brouwer 1581–1643 1600,
1643
Netherlands Brouwer was a privateer who fought the Habsburgs during the Dutch revolt, holding the city of Castro, Chile hostage for a period of two months.
Butler, NathanielNathaniel Butler b. 1578 1639 England Despite a comparatively unsuccessful career as a privateer, Butler was later colonial governor of Bermuda.
Callis, JohnJohn Callis c. 1558–1587? c. 1574–1587 England Welsh pirate active along the southern coast of Wales.
Cavendish, ThomasThomas Cavendish 1560–1592 1587–1592 England The first man to intentionally circumnavigate the globe, Cavendish also raided numerous Spanish towns and ships in the New World.
Collaart, JacobJacob Collaart 17th century 1625–1635 Netherlands A Flemish admiral who served as privateer and one of the Dunkirkers in Spanish Habsburg service during the Dutch Revolt, responsible for the destruction of at least 150 fishing boats.
Compaan, ClaesClaes Compaan 1587–1660 1621–1627 Netherlands Former Dutch corsair and privateer, he later became a pirate and was successful in capturing hundreds of ships in Europe, the Barbary coast and West Africa.
Cordes, Baltazar deBaltazar de Cordes d. 1601? 1598–1601 Netherlands A Dutch corsair who fought against the Spanish during the early 17th century.
Danziker, SimonSimon Danziker d. 1611 1600s–1610s Netherlands Dutch corsair and privateer who later became a Barbary corsair based in Algiers and Tunis during the early 17th century. He and John Ward dominated the Western Mediterranean during the early 17th century.
Drake, FrancisSir Francis Drake 1540–1596 1563–1596 England Known as "el Draque" (the Dragon), he was an Elizabethan corsair who raided Spanish merchant shipping on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I.
Easton, PeterPeter Easton 1570–1619 1602 England A privateer, then pirate, who was able to retire in Villefranche, Savoy with an estimated worth of two million pounds.
Garcia, JuanJuan Garcia fl. 1622 1620s Spain One of the Spanish privateers who accompanied Jan Jacobsen on his last voyage in 1622.
Geare, MichaelSir Michael Geare c. 1565–? c. 1584–1603 England Elizabethan Sea Dog active in the West Indies up until the turn of the 17th century.
Griffith, PiersPiers Griffith 1568 1628 Wales From 1600 to 1603, Griffith was active against Spanish shipping.
Hawkins, JohnSir John Hawkins 1532–1595 1554, 1564, 1567 England An Elizabethan corsair active off the coasts of West Africa and Venezuela. His work in ship design was important during the threat of invasion from the Spanish Armada.
Hein, Piet PieterszoonPiet Pieterszoon Hein 1577–1629 1628 Netherlands After serving as a Spanish galley slave for four years, Hein later captured 11,509,524 guilders of cargo from the Spanish treasure fleet.
Henriques, Moses CohenMoses Cohen Henriques early 17th century 1620s and 1630s Netherlands Dutch pirate of Portuguese Sephardic Jewish origin active in the Caribbean against Spain and Brazil against Portugal
Ingle, RichardRichard Ingle 1609–1653 1644–1653 England Maryland privateer and pirate. In an extension of the English Civil War in the Catholic colony of Maryland he and the Puritan settlers raided ships belonging to Catholics and the colonial governor Lord Baltimore. Ingle seized control of the Maryland capital briefly and was later executed for piracy.
Ita, Pieter AdriaanszoonPieter Adriaanszoon Ita fl. 1628–1630 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair and privateer. Commanded one of the earliest and largest expeditions against the Portugal and Spain in the Caribbean during 1628.
Jacobsen, JanJan Jacobsen d. 1622 1610s–1620s Netherlands Flemish-born privateer in English service during the Eighty Years' War.
Jacobszoon, WillemWillem Jacobszoon fl. 1624–1625 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair who accompanied Pieter Schouten on one of the first major expeditions to the West Indies.
Jansen, WillemWillem Jansen fl. 1600 1600s Netherlands Dutch corsair based in Duinkerken and one time officer under Jacques Colaert.
Janszoon, JanJan Janszoon 1570–after 1641 Republic of Salé Known also as Murad Reis, originally Dutch, he was a fighter in Morocco who converted to Islam after being captured by a Moorish state in 1618. He began serving as a Navy fighter, one of the most famous of the 17th-century "Salé Rovers"
Jing, ZhengZheng Jing 1643–1682 1662–1682 China Chinese pirate and warlord. The eldest son of Koxinga and grandson of Zheng Zhilong, he succeeded his father as ruler of Tainan and briefly occupied Fujian.
Jol, CorneliusCornelius Jol 1597–1641 1630s–1640s Netherlands Dutch corsair successful against the Spanish in the West Indies. One of the first to use a wooden peg leg.
Kenki, ShirahamaShirahama Kenki 16th-early 17th centuries Japan Japanese pirate and one of the first Japanese with whom the southern Vietnamese kingdom of the Nguyễn Lords made contact.
Keymis, LawrenceLawrence Keymis fl. –1618 1595/1596–1617 England Lawrence Keymis was a seaman and companion of Sir Walter Raleigh in his expeditions to Spanish colony of Guayana in 1595 and 1617 to search for England El Dorado (actual Venezuela). In another expedition in 1596 led a force inland Guayana along the banks of the Essequibo River, reaching what he wrongly believed to be Lake Parime.
Lancaster, JamesSir James Lancaster 1554–1618 1591–1603 England Elizabethan Sea Dog active in India during the late 16th century. Later a chief director for the East India Company.
Love, PeterPeter Love d. 1610 England An English pirate who set up base in the Outer Hebrides and was active around Ireland and Scotland. He was betrayed by the outlaw Neil MacLeod and executed in 1610.
Lucifer, Hendrick JacobszoonHendrick Jacobszoon Lucifer 1583–1627 1627 Netherlands Hendrick captured 1.2 million guilders from a Honduran treasure fleet, but was mortally wounded in the process.
Mainwaring, HenrySir Henry Mainwaring 1587–1653 1610–1616 England English privateer and pirate hunter. His pirate fleet nearly broke the truce between England and Spain following the Anglo-Spanish War.
Mami, ArnautArnaut Mami mid-16th century 1572–1576 Albania Active in the Narrow Sea (the modern day Adriatic Sea). He was the squadron admiral and the supreme commander of all Islamic vessels in North Africa and Pasha Algiers, known as the most formidable corsair of that period.
Mendoza, JanJan Mendoza b. Late 1500 Early 1600 Spain or Netherlands Plundered the water between Iceland and Norway, and the coast of Finnmark and Nordland. Hunted down and captured by Admiral Jørgen Daa and explorer Jens Munk by order of king Christian IV of Denmark-Norway. Mendoza was executed by hanging in Copenhagen. The king recovered 8 treasure chests of gold coins, each chest requerd 10 man to lift.
Noort, Olivier vanOlivier van Noort 1558–1627 1598–1601 Netherlands Despite his venture being of limited success, it was the inspiration that led to the formation of the Dutch East India Company.
North, RogerRoger North 1585–1652 1617 England Roger North was a seaman and companion of Sir Walter Raleigh in his expeditions to Spanish colony of Guayana in 1617 to search for England El Dorado (actual Venezuela). North in 1619 petitioned for letters patent authorising him to establish the king's right to the coast and country adjoining the River Amazon; to found a plantation or settlement there, and to open a direct trade with the natives.
Nutt, JohnJohn Nutt 1620–1623 England An English pirate active in Newfoundland.
O'Malley, GraceGrace O'Malley 1530–1603 1560s–1600s Ireland An important figure in Irish legend who is still present in popular culture today.
Oxenham, JohnJohn Oxenham 1536–1580 1570s–1600s England Elizabethan Sea Dog and associate of Sir Frances Drake during the early years of the Anglo-Spanish War. First English privateer to enter the Pacific though Panama.
Parker, WilliamWilliam Parker d. 1617 1590s–1600s England Elizabethan Sea Dog active in the West Indies. Successfully captured Porto Bello in 1602 without firing a shot.
Ali Pegelin c. 1605–1645 Netherlands Also known as Pisselingh, from Vlissingen (hence his name Pisselingh). Was for 40 years one of the most prominent pirates of Algiers. Settled in 1645 in Algiers with great fortune.
Plesa, Pedro de laPedro de la Plesa fl. 1622 1620s Spain He and Juan Garcia who joined Jan Jacobsen on his final voyage in 1622.
Preston, AmyasSir Amyas Preston c. ?–1609 c. 1595–1597 England Elizabethan Sea Dog as part of expedition of Walter Raleigh in 1595 sacked Caracas and Coro with George Somers.
Raleigh, WalterSir Walter Raleigh fl. 1554–1618 1595–1617 England Elizabethan corsair who commanded two expeditions to search for England the fabled "El Dorado" in the Spanish colony of Guayana (modern-day Venezuela).
Reis, AssanAssan Reis fl. 1626 1620s Netherlands Former Dutch privateer turned Barbary corsair. He attacked the Dutch ship St. Jan Babtista under Jacob Jacobsen of Ilpendam on March 7, 1626.
Reis, MuratMurat Reis the Elder 1506–1608 1534–1608 Rhodes An Ottoman Albanian privateer and Ottoman admiral who took part in all of the early naval campaigns of Turgut Reis.
Riskinner, JamesJames Riskinner 17th century 1630s England A lieutenant on the ship Warwick, then part of a fleet under the command of Nathaniel Butler, he later took part in a privateering expedition between May–September 1639.
Roberval, Jean-François de La Rocque deJean-François de La Rocque de Roberval 1500–1560 1623–1645 France French nobleman and adventurer who, through his friendship with King Francis, became the first Lieutenant General of New France. As a corsair he attacked towns and shipping throughout the Spanish Main, from Cuba to Colombia. He died in Paris as one of the first Huguenot martyrs.
Robins, BenBen Robins 1607–1640 England English privateer in the English West Indies.
Rochussen, IsaacIsaac Rochussen 1631–1710 1660s–1670s Netherlands A Dutch corsair active against the English during the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch War. His capture of The Falcon, an East India Company merchantman, was one of the most valuable prizes captured during the late-17th century.
Romboutsen, MahieuMahieu Romboutsen fl. 1636 1630s Netherlands Dutch corsair in the service of Spain. Was part of a three ship squadron under Jacques Colaert and was captured with him after a five-hour battle with Jan Evertsen.
Rous, WilliamWilliam Rous fl. 1636–1645 1630s–1640s Netherlands Dutch corsair and privateer based on Providence Island. He was involved in privateering expeditions for the Providence Island Company and later commander of Fort Henry.
Ryen, Jan vanJan van Ryen d. 1627 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair active in the West Indies. Reportedly killed with a number of colonists attempting to establish one of the first colonies on the Wiapoco in Dutch Guiana.
Schouten, PieterPieter Schouten fl. 1624–1625 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair who led one of the Dutch expeditions to the West Indies.
Somers, GeorgeSir George Somers c. 1564–1610 c. 1595–1607 England Elizabethan Sea Dog in 1595 sacked Caracas and Coro with Amyas Preston. Active in the West Indies up until the turn of the 17th century.
Sores, Jacques deJacques de Sores 16th century 1555 France A French pirate whose sole documented act was his attack and burning of Havana in 1555.
Takanobu, MatsuraMatsura Takanobu 1529–1599 Japan One of the most powerful feudal lords of Kyūshū and one of the first lords to allow trading with Europeans
Testu, Guillaume LeGuillaume Le Testu 1509–1573 1560s–1570s France French privateer, explorer and cartographer. First navigator to chart Australia in 1531.
Uitgeest, Dirck Simonszoon vanDirck Simonszoon van Uitgeest fl. 1628–1629 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair who commanded a Dutch West India Company expedition to Brazil bringing back over 12 Portuguese and Spanish prizes.
Veenboer, DeDe Veenboer d. 1620 1600s–1610s Netherlands De Veenboer meaning the Peat Bog Farmer. Former Dutch corsair and privateer. Later became a Barbary corsair under Simon the Dancer and eventually commanded the Algiers corsair fleet.
Verney, FrancisSir Francis Verney 1584–1615 1608–1610 England English nobleman who left behind his inheritance to become a Barbary corsair.
Walbeeck, Johannes vanJohannes van Walbeeck fl. 1634 1620s–1630s Netherlands Dutch admiral and corsair. Captured Curaçao in 1634 and later served as governor.
Ward, JohnJohn Ward 1552–1622 1603–1610s England A notorious English pirate around the turn of the 17th century who later became a Barbary Corsair operating out of Tunis during the early 1600s.
Willekens, JacobJacob Willekens 1571–1633 1590s–1630s Netherlands Dutch admiral who led Dutch corsairs on the first major privateering expedition to the West Indies.
Wittebol, CornelisCornelis Wittebol fl. 1622 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair in Spanish service. In February 1622, attacked a fishing fleet from the Veere and Maasmond sinking several ships and bringing back the survivors to ransom in Duinkerken.
Worst, HendrikHendrik Worst fl. 1624 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair who accompanied Pieter Schouten in his expedition to the West Indies.
Zhi, WangWang Zhi 16th century 1551–1555 China One of the chief figures among the wokou of the 16th century.
Zhilong, ZhengZheng Zhilong 1604–1662 1623–1645 China A convert to Christianity, Zhilon collaborated with Dutch forces, helping to create a monopoly on trade with Japan.
Zuylen, Filips vanFilips van Zuylen fl. 1624 1620s Netherlands Dutch corsair active against the Portuguese in West Africa.

Age of the Buccaneers: 1650–1690

Janbart
Although Jean Bart was born the son of a fisherman, he was able to retire as an admiral in French service on the strength of his captures during his time as a privateer.
Dampier-portrait
William Dampier was the first Englishman to explore or map parts of New Holland (Australia) and New Guinea, and was also the first person to circumnavigate the world three times.
Pierre LeGrand
Known only for a single attack against a Spanish galleon (pictured), Pierre le Grand's existence is disputed.
Francoislollonais
François l'Ollonais was nicknamed "Flail of the Spaniards" and had a reputation for brutality – offering no quarter to Spanish prisoners.
The Buccaneers of America 9
Roche Braziliano had a reputation for violence.
Name Life Years active Country of origin Comments
Alessandri, VincenzoVincenzo Alessandri d. 1657 Italy Originally a Knight of Malta, Alessandri was captured and enslaved.
Andreson, CorneliusCornelius Andreson 1674–1675 Netherlands He is best known for attacking English traders off Acadia and for serving in King Philip's War.
Andrieszoon, MichielMichiel Andrieszoon 17th century 1680s Netherlands Dutch merchant-pirate. Associated with Thomas Paine and Laurens de Graff.
Ansell, JohnJohn Ansell d. 1689 England Sailed with Henry Morgan and participated in his raids against Maracaibo and Gibraltar, Venezuela.
Bannister, JosephJoseph Bannister d. 1687 1680–1687 England Former merchant captain who operated in the Caribbean and defeated two Royal Navy ships in battle.
Bart, JeanJean Bart 1651–1702 1672–1697 France Born the son of a fisherman, Bart retired an admiral in French service.
Basque, Michel leMichel le Basque 17th century 1666–1668 France Pirate and flibustier (French buccaneer) from the Kingdom of Navarre in the southwest of France. He is best known as a companion of François L'Olonnais, with whom he sacked Maracaibo and Gibraltar.
Bear, JohnJohn Bear 1684–1689 England English pirate active in the Caribbean who also served with the Spanish and French.
Bequel, PhilippePhilippe Bequel 17th century 1650–1669 France Was one of the first foreign privateers awarded a letter of marque by the governor of Jamaica
Bergh, Jacob Janssen van denJacob Janssen van den Bergh fl. 1660 1650s–1660s Netherlands Dutch corsair and slave trader for the Dutch West India Company.
Berry, Charlotte deCharlotte de Berry 17th century 1660s England A female pirate, she later commanded her own ship. Her story first appeared in 1836 and she may have been fictional.
Blackburne, LancelotLancelot Blackburne 1653–1743 1680–1684 England Blackburne was an English clergyman, who became Archbishop of York, and – in popular belief – a pirate.
Blomar, EduardoEduardo Blomar d. 1679 1670s Spain Spanish renegade active in the Spanish Main during the 1670s. Tried in absentia and convicted of piracy with Bartolomé Charpes and Juan Guartem in Panama in 1679.
George Bond 17th century 1683–1684 England Active in the Caribbean, known for acting in league with the pirate-friendly Governor of St. Thomas, Adolph Esmit.
Bot, PierrePierre Bot 17th century 1680s France French buccaneer active in the Caribbean.
Bras-de-Fer, AlexandreAlexandre Bras-de-Fer 17th century mid-17th century France A flibustier (French buccaneer) in the latter half of the mid-17th century. He is best known for capturing a Spanish ship after being shipwrecked, though his story is possibly apocryphal.
Brigaut, NicolasNicolas Brigaut 1653–1686 1679–1686 France French pirate and buccaneer active in the Caribbean. He was closely associated with fellow corsair Michel de Grammont.
Browne, JamesJames Browne 17th century 1676–1677 Scotland Scottish pirate and privateer active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his hasty execution and the effects it had on colonial Jamaican government.
Butiens, ManuelManuel Butiens fl. 1645 1640s Netherlands Dutch renegade and Dunkirker in the service of Spain.
Casse, Jean duJean du Casse 1646–1715 168?–1697 France Born to Huguenot parents, du Casse was allowed to join the French navy on the value of his prizes taken while a buccaneer.
Charpes, BartoloméBartolomé Charpes d. 1679 1680s Spain Spanish renegade who was tried in absentia and convicted of piracy with Eduardo Blomar and Juan Guartem in Panama by Governor Don Dionicio Alceda in 1679.
Charpin, JeanJean Charpin 1688–1689 France French pirate and buccaneer active in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. He is best known for sailing alongside Jean-Baptiste du Casse as well as for his Articles, or "Pirate Code."
Clough, NicholasNicholas Clough 1682–1683 England Active in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. He is best remembered for leaving behind a well-documented Pirate Code, his "Articles of Agreement".
Collier, EdwardEdward Collier 17th century 1668–1671 England Served as Sir Henry Morgan's second-in-command throughout much of his expeditions against Spain during the mid-17th century.
Cooke, EdmundEdmund Cooke 17th century 1673–1683 England Merchant captain, buccaneer, and pirate. He is best known for sailing against the Spanish alongside Bartholomew Sharp, John Coxon, Basil Ringrose, Lionel Wafer, and other famous buccaneers. Cooke's flag was red-and-yellow striped and featured a hand holding a sword.
John Cook d. 1683 1680s England English buccaneer who led an expedition against the Spanish in the early 1680s.
Cornelius, JohnJohn Cornelius 1687–? Ireland Irish pirate supposedly active in the Red Sea and off the west coast of Africa. He succeeded William Lewis, who was killed after announcing he'd made a pact with the Devil. Lewis and Cornelius are likely the fictional creations of Captain Charles Johnson, who presented their stories among those of real historical pirates.
Coxon, JohnJohn Coxon d. 1689 1677–1682 England One of the most famous of the Brethren of the Coast, a loose consortium of pirates and privateers who were active on the Spanish Main.
Cusack, GeorgeGeorge Cusack d. 1675 1668–1675 Ireland Cruised both northern Europe and the West Indies, during and after the Anglo-Dutch Wars.
Dampier, WilliamWilliam Dampier 1651–1715 1670–1688 England Was the first person to circumnavigate the world three times.
Davis, EdwardEdward Davis 17th century 1680–1688 England Led the last major buccaneer raid against Panama.
Davis, JohnJohn Davis 18th century England Davis was one of the earliest and most active buccaneers on Jamaica.
Delahaye, JacquotteJacquotte Delahaye 17th century 1660s France Delahaye was a French Buccaneer, and together with Anne Dieu-Le-Veut was one of very few female buccaneers.
Dempster, EdwardEdward Dempster 17th century 1667–1669 England A buccaneer and privateer active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his association with Henry Morgan.
Dieu-Le-Veut, AnneAnne Dieu-Le-Veut b. 1650 1650–1704 France Was originally one of the women – "Filles de Roi" – sent by the French government to Tortuga to become wives to the local male colonists.
Essex, CorneliusCornelius Essex d. 1680 1670s England An English buccaneer who took part in Captain Bartholomew Sharp's privateering expedition, the "Pacific Adventure", during the late 1670s.
Evertson, JacobJacob Evertson died 1695? 1681–1688 Netherlands He escaped Henry Morgan and sailed with Jan Willems for several years.
Exquemelin, AlexandreAlexandre Exquemelin 1645–1707 1669–1674
1697
France A French writer, most known as the author of one of the most important sourcebooks of 17th century piracy, De Americaensche Zee-Roovers.
Fackman, JacobJacob Fackman 17th century 1662–1666 England English buccaneer and pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for attacking the Spanish alongside Henry Morgan, John Morris, and David Marteen.
Fantin, JeanJean Fantin 1681–1689 France French pirate active in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. He is best known for having his ship stolen by William Kidd and Robert Culliford.
Fitzgerald, PhilipPhilip Fitzgerald 17th century 1672–1675 Ireland Irish pirate and privateer who served the Spanish in the Caribbean.
Foccard, JeanJean Foccard 17th century 1680s France Associate of Laurens de Graaf and Michel de Grammont. He later joined them in their attack on Tampico in 1682.
Francois, PierrePierre Francois 17th century mid-17th century France Mid-17th-century flibustier, or French buccaneer, active in the Caribbean. He is best known for a single attack on a Spanish pearl-diving fleet. His story appears only in Alexandre Exquemelin's History of the Buccaneers and the truth of his account is uncertain.
Freeman, ThomasThomas Freeman 17th century 1655–1680 England English buccaneer and pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for attacking the Spanish alongside Henry Morgan, David Marteen, and John Morris.
Louis Le Golif 17th century 1660-1675 France Known from his Memoirs; supposedly a real buccaneer active against the Spanish, Golif's Memoirs were a forgery and he is now assumed to be entirely fictional.
Graaf, Laurens deLaurens de Graaf 1653–1704 1672–1697 Netherlands Also known as Lorencillo and active in the Caribbean. Characterised as "a great and mischievous pirate" by Henry Morgan, de Graaf was a Dutch pirate, mercenary, and naval officer in the service of the French colony of Saint-Domingue. Sacked Veracruz. His companion was pirate Nicholas van Hoorn.
Graham, JohnJohn Graham 17th century 1683–1686 England English pirate active off New England and the African coast. May have been a doctor as well.
Grammont, Michel deMichel de Grammont 1645–1686 1670–1686 France A French buccaneer, de Grammont primarily attacked Spanish holdings in Maracaibo, Gibraltar, Trujillo, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Cumana and Veracruz
Grand, Pierre lePierre le Grand 17th century France Known only for a single attack against a Spanish galleon, his existence is disputed.
Greaves, "Red Legs""Red Legs" Greaves 17th century 1670s–1690? Scotland Greaves's nickname was based on a commonly used term for reddened legs often seen among the Scottish and Irish who took to wearing kilts in almost any weather. Noted for his raid of Margarita Island. He may have been fictional; his story first appeared in 1924.
Grogniet, FrancoisFrancois Grogniet 17th century 1683–1687 France French buccaneer and pirate active against the Pacific coast of Spanish Central America.
Guartem, JuanJuan Guartem 17th century 1670s Spain A Spanish renegade pirate who raided Spanish settlements in New Spain during the late 17th century with his most notable raid being against Chepo in 1679.
Hamlin, JeanJean Hamlin 17th century 1682–1684 French French buccaneer active in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. He was often associated with St. Thomas' pirate-friendly Governor Adolph Esmit.
Harris, PeterPeter Harris d. 1680 1670s England English buccaneer and member of Captain Bartholomew Sharp's "Pacific Expedition". Killed at Panama in 1680.
Hawkins, RichardRichard Hawkins 1562–1622 1593–1594 England A buccaneer and explorer who was later knighted.
Hawkins, ThomasThomas Hawkins d. 1690 1689 Unknown Pirate briefly active off New England. He was known for sailing with Thomas Pound.
Henley, ThomasThomas Henley 1683–1685 Colonial America A pirate and privateer active in the Red Sea and the Caribbean.
Holloway, HenryHenry Holloway 1687 Colonial America A pirate active off the American east coast, from South Carolina to Maine. Aided by a member of Governor James Colleton's Grand Council.
van Hoorn, NicholasNicholas van Hoorn 1635–1683 1663–1683 Netherlands Merchant, privateer and later pirate, van Hoorn was hugely successful before dying of wound infection. Active in the Caribbean and based at the island Hispaniola. Sacked in 1683 Veracruz. Worked together with Laurens de Graaf aka Lorencillo.
Jackson, WilliamWilliam Jackson 17th century 1639–1645 England It was the fleet under his command that captured Jamaica for England.
Jager, Bartholomeus deBartholomeus de Jager fl. 1655 1650s Netherlands Dutch corsair active against the Portuguese. He attacked a small merchant fleet at Fernando de Noronha, capturing one merchant ship and driving off the other.
Johnson, DanielDaniel Johnson 1629–1675 1657–1675 England Became known as "Johnson the Terror" among the Spanish.
Knight, WilliamWilliam Knight 17th century 1684–1686 England Along with Edward Davis, he took part in the final large buccaneer attack on Spanish holdings.
L'Escuyer, JeanJean L’Escuyer 17th century 1685 France French pirate active on the Pacific coast of Central America. He sailed and fought alongside a number of prominent buccaneers such as Edward Davis, Francois Grogniet, William Dampier, and others.
l'Olonnais, FrançoisFrançois l'Olonnais 1635–1668 1660–1668 France Nicknamed "The Bane of Spaniards" (French: Fléau des Espagnols). l'Ollonais had a reputation for brutality, offering no quarter to Spanish prisoners. Famous by his raids against Maracaibo and Gibraltar, Venezuela.
Lecat, Jelles deJelles de Lecat 17th century 1668–1674 Netherlands Sacked Spanish territories alongside Brasiliano, Reyning, Bradley, and Morgan. Often called "Yellahs," "Yallahs," or "Captain Yellows."
Lewis, WilliamWilliam Lewis 1687–? Unknown Pirate supposedly active in the Caribbean, off the American east coast, and the west coast of Africa. He was known for sparing his victims, and for being killed after announcing he had made a pact with the Devil. He is likely the fictional creation of Captain Charles Johnson, who presented his story among those of real historical pirates.
Lussan, Raveneau deRaveneau de Lussan b. 1663 1684–1688 France An impoverished nobleman. Attacked targets in Central America. Known for a "long march" in 1688.
Magott, ThomasThomas Magott 17th century 1680s England English buccaneer who sailed with Bartholomew Sharp and others on the "Pacific Adventure".
Maintenon, Marquis deMarquis de Maintenon 1648–1691 1672–1676 France A French nobleman who became a buccaneer in the Caribbean, selling his castle and title to Madame de Maintenon. Remarkable for his raid of Margarita Island.
Mansvelt / Mansfield, EdwardEdward Mansvelt / Mansfield d. 1666 1650s–1660s Curaçao Dutch buccaneer in English service. Known as the Admiral of the "Brethren of the Coast", Mansvelt was a mentor to Sir Henry Morgan who succeeded him following his death.
Marteen, DavidDavid Marteen 17th century 1663–1665 Netherlands Known primarily as the sole non-English Captain who participated in the raids against Spanish strongholds in present-day Mexico and Nicaragua.
Montbars the Exterminator, Montbars the Exterminator 1645–1701? 1660s–1670s France A former French naval officer and gentleman adventurer, he engaged in a violent and destructive war against Spain in the Caribbean and the Spanish Main. His hatred of the Spanish earned him the name "Montbars the Exterminator".
Morgan, HenrySir Henry Morgan 1635–1688 1663–1674 Wales A privateer who later retired to become Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. he participated in his raids against Panama, Maracaibo, Gibraltar, Porto Bello.
Morris, JohnJohn Morris 17th century 1663–1672 England A skilled pilot, he served with both Christopher Myngs and Henry Morgan before becoming a pirate hunter.
Myngs, ChristopherSir Christopher Myngs 1625–1666 1650s–1660s England Described as "unhinged and out of tune" by the governor of Jamaica, Myngs nevertheless became a Vice-Admiral of the Blue in the Royal Navy. In 1658, raided the coast of South-America; failing to capture a Spanish treasure fleet, he destroyed Tolú and Santa Marta in present-day Colombia instead. In 1659, he plundered Cumaná, Puerto Cabello and Coro in present-day Venezuela.
Paine, ThomasThomas Paine 17th century 1680s England A colonial American privateer who raided several settlements in the West Indies with Jan Willems, most notably against Rio de la Hacha in 1680. He also drove the French from Block Island.
Pardal, Manuel RibeiroManuel Ribeiro Pardal d. 1671 1668–1671 Portugal Portuguese privateer in the service of Spain. One of the few successful privateers active against the buccaneers of the Caribbean during the late 17th century.
Peterson, GeorgeGeorge Peterson 17th century 1686–1688 England Part of his crew consisted of the remnants of the crews of Jean Hamlin and two recently deceased pirates, Jan "Yankey" Willems and Jacob Evertson.
Picard, Pierre LePierre Le Picard fl. 1666–1690 1660s–1690s France An officer under l'Ollonais and Henry Morgan, he and Moise Vauquelin left to pursue a career on their own. He later served in King William's War. He may have been one of the first buccaneers to raid shipping on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Plessis, Chevalier duChevalier du Plessis d. 1668 1660s France French privateer active in the West Indies. He was succeeded by Moise Vauquelin following his death.
Pointis, Jean deBaron Jean de Pointis 1635–1707 1690s France His greatest venture was the 1697 Raid of Cartagena.
Português, BartolomeuBartolomeu Português b. 1630 1666–1669 Portugal One of the earliest pirates to use a pirate code.
Pound, ThomasThomas Pound d. 1703 1689 England Briefly commanded a small ship near Massachusetts before being captured.
Prince, LawrenceLawrence Prince fl. 1659–1672 1650s–1670s Netherlands Dutch buccaneer in English service. An officer under Sir Henry Morgan, he and John Morris led the vanguard at Panama in 1671.
Ras, PhilipPhilip Ras fl. 1652–1655 1650s Netherlands Captured several English ships as both a corsair and privateer during the First Anglo-Dutch War.
Razin, StenkaStenka Razin 1630–1671 Russia A Cossack pirate who operated on the Volga and later expanded into the Caspian Sea.
Roderigo, PeterPeter Roderigo 1674–1675 Netherlands He is best known for attacking English traders off Acadia and for serving in King Philip's War.
Sawkins, RichardRichard Sawkins d. 1680 1679–1680 England Participated, along with John Coxon and Bartholomew Sharp, in the surprise attack on Santa Maria in Panama.
Scot, LewisLewis Scot fl. 1663 1660s England Known for his attack on the city of Campeche, on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Searle, RobertRobert Searle 17th Century 1660s England Jamaican-based buccaneer known for his sacks of Tobago and St. Augustine, Florida and occasional compatriot of Henry Morgan.
Sharp, BartholomewBartholomew Sharp 1650–1690 1679–1682 England Plundered 25 Spanish ships and numerous small towns.
Skytte, GustavGustav Skytte 1637–1663 1657–1663 Sweden Attacked ships in the Baltic Sea, along with other accomplices of noble descent.
Speirdyke, Bernard ClaesenBernard Claesen Speirdyke fl. 1663–1670 1660s–1670s Netherlands Dutch buccaneer active in the Caribbean, he was captured by Captain Manuel Ribeiro Pardal near Cuba and later executed.
Swan, CharlesCharles Swan 17th century England A reluctant pirate, he begged for a pardon even as he looted his way around South America.
Tavernier / Le Lyonnais, JacquesJacques Tavernier / Le Lyonnais 1625–1673 1664–1673 France French buccaneer who took part in expeditions with Laurens de Graaf, Michel de Grammont, Pierre Le Grand, François l'Ollonais and Sir Henry Morgan before his execution in 1673. His existence is disputed as the only pre-20th century reference to him appears in Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography.
Vauquelin / Moses Vanclein, MoïseMoïse Vauquelin / Moses Vanclein fl. 1650–1672 1650s–1670s France An officer under l'Ollonais, he also had a partnership with Pierre le Picard. In his later years, he wrote a book detailing the coastline of Honduras and the Yucatan along with fellow buccaneer Philippe Bequel.
Veale, Captain Captain Veale 17th century 1685 England Attacked ships along New England from Virginia to Boston with pirate John Graham.
Veale, ThomasThomas Veale 17th century mid-1600s England Known for legends of his buried treasure.
Velde, Cornelis Janszoon van deCornelis Janszoon van de Velde fl. 1655 1650s Netherlands Dutch corsair active near the Antillen, he was briefly associated with Bartholomeus de Jager.
Wafer, LionelLionel Wafer 1640–1705 1679–1688 Wales An explorer whose work helped inspire the Darien Scheme.
Willems, Janke / YankeyJanke / Yankey Willems fl. 1681–1687 1680s Netherlands Dutch buccaneer active in the Caribbean.
Witherborn, FrancisFrancis Witherborn 17th century 1670–1672 England English buccaneer, privateer, and pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his brief association with Henry Morgan.
Woolerly, ThomasThomas Woolerly 1683–1687 Colonial America A pirate and privateer active in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.
Wright, WilliamWilliam Wright 17th century 1675–1682 England Despite being English, Wright was active as a privateer under a French commission. He later became a buccaneer.

Golden Age of Piracy: 1690–1730

General History of the Pyrates - Captain Bartholomew Roberts with two Ships
The most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Bart was estimated to have captured more than 470 vessels.
Blackbeard
With his fearsome appearance, Blackbeard is often credited with the creation of the stereotypical image of a pirate.
Amaro Pargo
Amaro Pargo. He was one of the most famous pirates of the golden age of piracy, and one of the most important personalities of the 18th century of Spain.
Female pirate Anne Bonny
Despite never commanding a ship herself, Anne Bonny is remembered as one of few known female pirates.
Every,Henry
Henry Every (or Avery) is famous as one of the few pirates of the era who was able to retire with his takings without being either arrested or killed in battle.
William Kidd
Although modern historians dispute the legitimacy of his trial and execution, the rumour of Captain Kidd's buried treasure has served only to build a legend around the man as a great pirate.
Name Life Years active Country of origin Comments
James Allison ? 1689–1691 Colonial America Active near Cape Verde and the Bay of Campeche. Almost the entire record of Allison's piracy comes from trial records of a single incident, the seizure of the merchantman Good Hope.
Thomas Anstis d. 1723 1718–1723 England Was mainly active in the Caribbean, and served under first Howell Davis and later Bartholomew Roberts.
Leigh Ashworth ? 1716–1719 Unknown pirate and privateer operating in the Caribbean in the early 1700s.
John Auger 1678–1718 1718 Unknown Active in the Bahamas around 1718. He is primarily remembered for being captured by pirate turned pirate-hunter Benjamin Hornigold.
Adam Baldridge  ? fl. c. 1685–1697 England English pirate and one of the early founders of the pirate settlements in Madagascar.
Jonathan Barnet ? 1715–1720 England English privateer active in the Caribbean. He is best known for capturing pirates Calico Jack, Anne Bonney, and Mary Read.
Thomas Barrow d. 1726 1702–1718 Unknown Pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for proclaiming himself Governor of New Providence.
Don Benito ? 1725 Spain Real name possibly Benito Socarras Y Aguero, he was a Spanish pirate and guarda costa privateer active in the Caribbean.
Charles Bellamy ? 1717–1720 England English pirate who raided colonial American shipping in New England and later off the coast of Canada. He is often confused with the more well-known Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy, as they operated in the same areas at the same time.
Samuel Bellamy (Black Sam) 1689–1717 1716–1717 Hittisleigh, Devonshire, England Despite having a career of only 16 months, Bellamy was extraordinarily successful, capturing more than 50 ships before his death at age 28. His acquired wealth of five tons of treasure from his short career is speculated at US$120 million in 2008 dollars. Bellamy began his pirate career under the command of Henry Jennings, a Buccaneer that turned pirate; but double-crossing Jennings, Bellamy fled to the Bahamas and joined Jennings' nemesis, Benjamin Hornigold of the Mary Anne. But quickly growing wearisome of Hornigold's refusal to attack English ships, Bellamy called for a vote of no confidence, and the crew ousted Hornigold and Blackbeard by a majority vote, electing Bellamy as captain. Bellamy's prize flagship, Whydah Galley, discovered by underwater explorer Barry Clifford in 1984, is currently the world's only fully authenticated Golden Age pirate shipwreck ever found.
Blackbeard (Edward Teach) 1680–1718 1716–1718 England With his fearsome appearance, Blackbeard is often credited with the creation of the stereotypical image of a pirate. Although his real name remains unknown, he began his pirate career as the first officer of Buccaneer-turned-pirate Captain Benjamin Hornigold of the Mary Anne. When a young crewman, Samuel Bellamy, called for a vote of no confidence in Hornigold for his refusal to attack English ships, the crew by a vote ousted Hornigold and Blackbeard, leaving the Mary Anne to Bellamy whom the crew elected their new captain. His legend solidified after he took command of the Queen Anne's Revenge.
Black Caesar d. 1718 1700s–1718 Africa A captured slave turned pirate, legend held that Black Caesar had been a well-known pirate active off the Florida Keys during the early 18th century. Historically, he was part of Blackbeard's crew and was one of five Africans serving on his flagship.
Augustin Blanco ? 1700–1725 Cuba He was noted for attacking in open boats, and for having a mixed-race crew.
Richard Bobbington d. 1697 1695–1696 Unknown Active in the Red SeaIndian Ocean, and Persian Gulf. Sailed with Thomas Tew's crew after Tew's death. One of several captains of the Charming Mary.
Jean Bonadvis ? 1717–1720 France He is best known for his involvement with Benjamin Hornigold and "Calico Jack" Rackham.
Stede Bonnet 1688–1718 1717–1718 Barbados Nicknamed "The Gentleman Pirate", Bonnet was born into a wealthy family before turning to piracy.
Anne Bonny 1698–1782 to 1725 Ireland Despite never commanding a ship herself, Anne Bonny is remembered as one of few known female pirates.
George Booth d. 1700 1696–1700 England One of the earliest pirates active in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
John Bowen d. 1704 1700–1704 Bermuda Was active in the Indian Ocean, his contemporaries included George Booth and Nathaniel North.
Joseph Bradish d. 1700 1698–1700 Unknown A pirate best known for a single incident involving a mutiny.
John Breholt 17th–18th centuries 1697–1711 England Pirate and salvager active in the Caribbean, the Carolinas, and the Azores. He is best known for organizing several attempts to get the pirates of Madagascar to accept a pardon and bring their wealth home to England.
Nicholas Brown d. 1726 to 1726 England Active off the coast of Jamaica, Brown was eventually killed by childhood friend John Drudge.
Phineas Bunce d. 1718 1717–1718 Unknown Pirate active in the Caribbean. He was pardoned for piracy but reverted to it immediately afterwards and was killed by a Spanish pirate hunter.
Nathaniel Burches ? 1705–1707 Unknown A privateer who operated out of New England. He was known for sailing alongside Regnier Tongrelow and Thomas Penniston, and for single-handedly defeating a huge Spanish ship.
Josiah ("Thomas") Burgess 1689–1719 1716–1719 England He is best known as one of the heads of New Providence's "Flying Gang."
Samuel Burgess 1650–1716 1690–1708 England Member of Captain William Kidd's crew in 1690 when the Blessed William was seized by Robert Culliford and some of the crew.
William Burke d. 1699 1699 Ireland Pirate and trader active in the Caribbean and near Newfoundland, best known for aiding William Kidd.
James Carnegie ? 1716 Unknown Sailed in consort with Henry Jennings.
Canoot ? 1698 France French pirate active off the coast of New England.
Dirk Chivers early 18th century 1694–1699 Netherlands Active in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Chivers later retired from piracy and returned to the Netherlands.
Adrian Claver ? 1704–1705 Netherlands A Dutch privateer based out of New England. He sailed alongside other prominent privateers such as John Halsey, Regnier Tongrelow, and Thomas Penniston.
Edward Coates ? 1689–1694 Colonial America A colonial American privateer in English service during the King William's War and later a pirate operating in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean during the mid-1690s.
Thomas Cocklyn early 18th century 1717 to death England Primarily known for his association with Howell Davis and Oliver La Buze, Cocklyn's activities after 1719 are unknown.
John Cockram ? 1713–1718 England Pirate, trader, and pirate hunter in the Caribbean, best known for his association with Benjamin Hornigold.
John Cole (pirate) d. 1718 1718 England Associated with Richard Worley and William Moody. He is known more for the unusual cargo of his pirate ship than for his piracy.
Robert Colley d. 1698 1695–1698 Colonial America An American pirate active near Newfoundland and the Indian Ocean.
Thomas Collins (pirate) d. 1719 1690s–1719 Unknown Active in the Indian Ocean. He is best known for leading a pirate settlement and trading post on Madagascar.
Christopher Condent d. 1770 1718–1720 England After entering into piracy in 1718, Condent later took a prize of £150,000 with his ship Fiery Dragon and retired to France, becoming a wealthy merchant. Known by many names, including Condent, Congdon, Connor or Condell; and by given names including William, Christopher, Edmond or John.
Joseph Cooper d. 1725 1718–1725 Colonial America Active in the Caribbean and the American East Coast. He was best known for sailing alongside Francis Spriggs, and for the manner of his death.
William Cotter b.1670 d.1702 1690-1692 England He was mainly active in Jamaica and the Red Sea sailing under George Raynor.
William Coward ? 1689–1690 Unknown A minor pirate active off the coast of Massachusetts. He is known for a single incident involving the seizure of one small vessel, largely thanks to events surrounding his trial.
Captain Crapo 18th century 1704–1708 France French privateer active in the Caribbean and off the American east coast during the War of Spanish Succession. He was highly successful, capturing a large number of English vessels which he sent back to his home ports in Martinique and Port Royal.
Mary Critchett died 1729 1729 Colonial America She is best known for being one of only four female pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy.
Robert Culliford Early 18th century 1690–1698 England The former first mate of William Kidd, Culliford led a first mutiny against Kidd, stealing his ship Blessed William. One of the few pirates documented as participating in matelotage, with John Swann.
Alexander Dalzeel 1662–1715 1685–1715 Scotland Served under Henry Every. Was captured four times before finally being executed.
Howell Davis 1690–1719 1718–1719 Wales Having a career that lasted only 11 months, Davis was ambushed during an attempt to kidnap the governor of Príncipe.
Captain Davy early 18th century 1704–1705 France French privateer active off New England during Queen Anne's War. He is best known for repeatedly evading capture by rival English and Dutch privateers such as Adrian Claver and Thomas Penniston.
Thomas Day ? 1697 Unknown Pirate and privateer active off the American East Coast. He is known for being one cause of increasing tensions between the Governors of Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Robert Deal d. 1721 1718–1721 England He is best known for his association with Charles Vane.
Nicholas de Concepcion ? 1720 Unknown Pirate active off the New England coast. An escaped slave, he was one of the few black or mulatto pirate captains.
Mathurin Desmarestz 1653–1700 1685–1697 France French pirate and buccaneer active in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.
Étienne de Montauban ? 1691–1695 France French flibustier (buccaneer), privateer, and pirate active in the Caribbean and off the west African coast. Frequently referred to as Sieur de Montauban (last name occasionally Montauband), he wrote an account of his later voyages, including surviving a shipwreck.
Francis Demont ? 1716–1717 Colonial America Pirate active in the Caribbean. His trial was important in establishing Admiralty law in South Carolina.
John Derdrake ? Early 1700s Denmark Known as "Jack of the Baltic." Danish pirate active in the 1700s. His story, if true, makes him one of the few pirates known to force his victims walk the plank.
George Dew 1666–1703 1686–1695 England He once sailed alongside William Kidd and Thomas Tew, and his career took him from Newfoundland to the Caribbean to the coast of Africa.
Edward England 1690–1720 1717–1720 Ireland Differing from many other pirates of his day, England did not kill captives unless necessary.
John Evans d. 1723 1722–1723 Wales After an unsuccessful career as a legitimate sailor, Evans turned to piracy – initially raiding houses from a small canoe.
Henry Every (Avery) 1659–1699 1694–1699 England Famous as one of the few pirates of the era who was able to retire with his takings without being either arrested or killed in battle.
Mary Farley, alias Mary / Martha Farlee / Harley / Harvey 1725–1726 Irish In 1725, Mary Harvey and her husband Thomas were transported to the Province of Carolina as felons. In 1726, Mary and three men were tried for piracy. Two of the men were executed (their leader John Vidal was convicted and later pardoned), but Mary was released. Her husband Thomas was never caught.
Joseph Faro ? 1694–1696 Colonial America Active in the Indian Ocean. He is best known for sailing alongside Thomas Tew to join Henry Every's pirate fleet which captured and looted the fabulously rich Mughal ship Gunsway.
John Fenn d. 1723 to 1723 England Sailed with Bartholomew Roberts and, later, Thomas Anstis.
Lewis Ferdinando ? 1699–1700 Unknown Active near Bermuda during the Golden Age of Piracy.
Francis Fernando ? 1715–1716 Jamaica Jamaican pirate and privateer active in the Caribbean. He was one of the few confirmed mixed-race captains in the Golden Age of Piracy.
James Fife d. 1718 1718 Unknown Active in the Caribbean. Murdered by forced men on his crew.
William Fly d. 1726 to 1726 England Raided off the New England coast before being captured and executed at Boston, Massachusetts.
William Fox ? 1718–1723 Unknown Pirate active in the Caribbean and off the African coast. He was indirectly associated with a number of more prominent pirates such as Bartholomew Roberts, Edward England, and Richard Taylor.
Richard Frowd ? 1718–1719 England He is best known for sailing with William Moody. He was one of a number of pirates to have both white and black sailors in his crew.
Ingela Gathenhielm 1692–1729 1718–1721 Sweden Widow of Lars Gathenhielm, active on the Baltic Sea.
Lars Gathenhielm 1689–1718 1710–1718 Sweden Active on the Baltic Sea
Captain Gincks ? 1705–1706 Unknown A privateer based in New York. He is best known for sailing alongside Adrian Claver, and for a violent incident involving his sailors while ashore.
Richard Glover d. 1698 1694–1698 Colonial America A pirate and slave trader active in the Caribbean and the Red Sea in the late 1690s.
Robert Glover d. 1698 1693–1698 Ireland / Colonial America An Irish-American pirate active in the Red Sea area in the late 1690s.
Christopher Goffe ? 1683–1691 Colonial America A pirate and privateer active in the Red Sea and the Caribbean. He was eventually trusted to hunt down his former comrades.
John Golden d. 1698 1696–1698 England A Jacobite pirate and privateer active in the waters near England and France. His trial was important in establishing Admiralty law, differentiating between privateers and pirates, and ending the naval ambitions of the deposed James II.
Thomas Goldsmith d. 1714 1714 England Chiefly remembered not for his piracy but for retiring and dying peacefully in his bed, and for his gravestone inscription.
Thomas Griffin (pirate) ? 1691 Colonial America A pirate and privateer active off New England. He is known for his association with George Dew.
Captain Grinnaway ? 1718 Unknown A pirate from Bermuda, best known for being briefly and indirectly involved with Edward Teach (or Thatch, alias Blackbeard).
Nathaniel Grubing 17th century 1692–1697 England English pirate who sailed in service to the French. He is best known for leading several raids on Jamaica before his capture.
Jean Baptiste Guedry d. 1726 1726 Acadia Took over a small ship off Acadia and was tried for piracy. The trial was publicized to Indians as an example of English law.
Charles Harris 1698–1723 1722–1723 England He is best known for his association with George Lowther and Edward Low.
John Halsey d. 1708 1705–1708 Colonial America Active in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, Halsey is remembered by Defoe as "brave in his Person, courteous to all his Prisoners, lived beloved, and died regretted by his own People."
Israel Hands ? 1700s–1718 Colonial America Also known as Basilica Hands. He is best known for being second in command to Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Hands' first historical mention was in 1718, when Blackbeard gave him command of David Herriot's ship Adventure after Herriot was captured by Teach in March 1718.
Don Miguel Enríquez (Henríquez) 1674–1743 1701–1735 Puerto Rico Although born a shoemaker, Enríquez was later awarded a letter of marque by Spain, going on to become knighted and gathering a fortune of over 500,000 pieces of eight. Considered the "most accomplished" of the Hispanic privateers.
David Herriot ? 1700s–1718 Jamaica Captain of the Jamaican sloop Adventure, captured by Edward Teach, alias Blackbeard, in 1718. He joined Blackbeard's crew, and later when Stede Bonnet separated from Blackbeard, Herriot became his sailing master. During the Battle of Cape Fear River Herriott was taken by Col. Rhet, of the sloop Royal James, on September 27, 1718. Herriot and boatswain, Ignatius Pell, turned King's evidence at their trial but escaped their Charleston prison on October 25. Herriot was shot and killed on Sullivan Island a few days later.
John Hoar d. 1697 1694–1697 Colonial America A pirate and privateer active in the late 1690s in the Red Sea area.
Benjamin Hornigold 1680–1719 1717–1719 England Known for being less aggressive than other pirates, Hornigold once captured a ship for the sole purpose of seizing the crew's hats.
Thomas Howard early 18th century 1698–1703 England Howard served under both George Booth and John Bowen and later commanded the Prosperous.
Samuel Inless ? 1698–1699 Unknown Active in the Indian Ocean, best known for serving as Captain over Nathaniel North and George Booth.
John Ireland ? 1694–1701 Colonial America A pirate active in the Indian Ocean. He is best known for sailing with Thomas Tew. One of several captains of the Charming Mary.
John James ? 1699–1700 Wales Welsh pirate active near MadagascarNassau, and the American east coast.
Henry Jennings d. 1745 1715 England Jennings was a later governor of the pirate haven of New Providence. Although the Governor of Jamaica personally commissioned Jennings' privateering in 1715, after Jennings' began attacking salvage camps and Spanish, English and French vessels, Jennings was declared a pirate in April 1716. Jennings and his fleet of pirates and privateers subsequently moved to Nassau. Jennings was one of 400 pirates who took advantage of the British amnesty in 1718, and afterwards retired to Bermuda to live the rest of his life "as a wealthy, respected member of society."
Henry Johnson ? 1730 Ireland Irish pirate active in the Caribbean. He shared captaincy with a Spaniard, Pedro Poleas. Johnson was best known thanks to an autobiography written by a sailor he captured and marooned.
Evan Jones ? 1698–1699 Wales Welsh-born pirate from New York active in the Indian Ocean, best known for his indirect connection to Robert Culliford and for capturing a future Mayor of New York.
John Julian d. 1733 1716–1717 Miskito origins Recorded as the first black pirate to operate in the New World.
James Kelly (James Gilliam) d. 1701 to 1699 England Active in the Indian Ocean, Kelly was a long-time associate of William Kidd.
William "Captain" Kidd 1645–1701 1695–1699 Scotland Although modern historians dispute the legitimacy of his trial and execution, the rumor of Captain Kidd's buried treasure has served only to build a legend around the man as a great pirate. His property was claimed by the crown and given to the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, by Queen Anne.
Henry King (pirate) ? 1700 Unknown He is best known for attacking the slave ship John Hopewell, whose captured crew turned the tables and took his ship from him.
John King (pirate) c. 1706/9–1717 1716–1717 England Although not ever a captain, King joined the crew of Samuel Bellamy when they boarded the ship he was on, and is one of the youngest known pirates on record. His age is disputed at anywhere from 8–11 years.
Montigny la Palisse ? 1720–1721 France Sailed in consort with Bartholomew Roberts.
Robert Lane d. 1719 1719 Unknown Was given command of a prize ship by Edward England, which was lost off Brazil with all hands.
Thomas Larimore ? 1677–1706 Colonial America Active in the Caribbean and off the eastern seaboard of the American colonies. After helping suppress Bacon's Rebellion and serving as a militia leader he turned to piracy, operating alongside John Quelch.
Peter Lawrence ? 1693–1705 Netherlands Dutch pirate and privateer active off New England and Newfoundland, and in the Caribbean. His and other pirates' dealings with Rhode Island's governors nearly led to the colony losing its charter.
John Leadstone / "Old Captain Crackers" ? 1704–1721 Unknown A pirate and slave trader active off the west coast of Africa. Often called "Captain Crackers" or "Old Captain Cracker," he is best known for his actions against the English Royal African Company and for his brief involvement with Bartholomew Roberts.
Francois Le Sage d. 1694 1682–1694 France or Netherlands Pirate and buccaneer active in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. He is primarily associated with fellow buccaneers Michiel Andrieszoon and Laurens de Graaf.
Francis Leslie (pirate) ? 1717–1718 England He is best known as one of the leaders of the "Flying Gang" of pirates operating out of New Providence.
Olivier Levasseur (Oliver La Buse) 1688–1730 1716–1730 France Nicknamed "la Buse" (the Buzzard) for the speed with which he attacked his targets, Levasseur left behind a cryptic message that has yet to be deciphered fully today.
Samuel Liddell ? 1716 Unknown A pirate, privateer, and merchant active in the Caribbean. He is best known for sailing alongside Henry Jennings.
Edward "Ned" Low 1690–1724 1721–1724 England This pirate's methods were described as having "done credit to the ingenuity of the Spanish Inquisition in its darkest days".
George Lowther d. 1723 to 1723 England Active in the Caribbean and the Atlantic, one of Lowther's lieutenants included Edward Low.
Matthew Luke (Matteo Luca) d. 1722 1722 Italy A pirate and Spanish Guarda Costa active in the Caribbean.
Philip Lyne d. 1726 1725–1726 Unknown Known for his cruelty and his association with Francis Spriggs.
John Martel ? 1716–1718 England English pirate active in the Caribbean.
Simon Mascarino ? 1701–1721 Portugal A Portuguese pirate active in the Caribbean. He was also a privateer in service of the Spanish.
William May ? 1689–1700 Unknown Active in the Indian Ocean. He was best known for taking over William Kidd's ship Blessed William and sailing with Henry Every.
Edward Miller ? 1718–1720 England English pirate active in the Caribbean.
Christopher Moody d. 1718 1713–1718 England Active off North and South Carolina, Moody offered no quarter to captured crews, signified by his flying of a red standard. Often conflated with William Moody.
William Moody (pirate) d. 1718 1717–1718 England He is best known for his association with Olivier Levasseur and Thomas Cocklyn, crewmembers who succeeded him as captains in their own right. Often conflated with Christopher Moody.
Captain Napin ? 1717–1718 Unknown A pirate active in the Caribbean and off the American east coast. He is best known for sailing alongside Benjamin Hornigold.
Thomas Nichols (pirate) ? 1717–1718 Unknown A pirate active in the Caribbean and off the American east coast. He is best known as a leader among the "Flying Gang" of pirates operating out of New Providence.
Richard Noland ? 1717–1724 Ireland He was best known for sailing with Samuel Bellamy before working for the Spanish.
John Norcross 1688–1758 1715–1727 England English Jacobite pirate and privateer who sailed in service to Sweden.
Nathaniel North b. 1672 1689–1709 Bermuda Active in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, North served with other famous contemporaries, including John Bowen and George Booth.
Amaro Pargo 1678–1695 1703–1737 Spain He was one of the most famous pirates of the golden age of piracy, and one of the most important personalities of the 18th century Spain.
Major Penner ? 1718 Unknown Pirate captain active in the Caribbean. Kept his title of "Major" instead of "Captain."
Thomas Penniston d. 1706 1704–1706 Unknown A privateer who operated out of New England. He was known for sailing alongside Adrian Claver and Regnier Tongrelow.
James Plantain early 18th century 1725–1728 Jamaica Plantain ruled the island of Madagascar between 1725 and 1728, primarily through fear, and was known as the "King of Ranter Bay".
Daniel Porter ? 1718–1721 Unknown Pirate and trader active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his associations with Benjamin Hornigold and Bartholomew Roberts.
John Prie d. 1727 1727 Unknown A mutineer and minor pirate in the Caribbean.
John Pro d. 1719 1690s–1719 Netherlands Best known for leading a pirate trading post near Madagascar.
John Quelch 1666–1704 1703–1704 England Quelch was the first person tried for piracy outside England under Admiralty Law and therefore without a jury.
"Calico Jack" John Rackham 1682–1720 to 1720 England Earned his nickname for the colourful calico clothes that he wore.
George Raynor 1665–1743 1683–1694 Colonial America Active in the Red Sea. Before he was briefly a pirate captain, he was a sailor on the Batchelor's Delight which circumnavigated the globe with William Dampier.
Mary Read 1690–1721 to 1720 England Along with Anne Bonny, one of few known female pirates. When captured, Read escaped hanging by claiming she was pregnant, but died soon after of a fever while still in prison.
William Read (pirate) d. 1701 1701 England Active in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. He is best known for rescuing fellow pirate captains John Bowen and Thomas White.
Lieutenant Richards (pirate) ? 1718 Unknown Active in the Caribbean and off the Carolinas. He is best known for sailing alongside Blackbeard (Edward Teach / Thatch).
John Rivers (pirate) d. 1719 1686–1719 England A pirate best known for leading a settlement and trading post on Madagascar.
Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart) 1682–1722 1719–1722 Wales The most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy, estimated to have captured more than 470 vessels.
Philip Roche (pirate) 1693–1723 1721 Ireland Active in the seas of northern Europe, best known for murdering the crews and captains of ships he and his men took over.
Tempest Rogers 1672–1704 1693–1699 England A pirate trader active in the Caribbean and off Madagascar. He is best known for his association with William Kidd.
Woodes Rogers 1679–1732 1709–1710 England Played a major role in the suppression of pirates in the Caribbean.
John Russell 18th century 1722–1723 Unknown Pirate active from Nova Scotia to the Caribbean to the African coast. He is best known for his association with Edward Low and Francis Spriggs, and for his involvement with two well-known and well-documented maroonings.
Jasper Seagar d. 1721 1719–1721 England Active in the Indian Ocean, best known for sailing with Edward EnglandOlivier Levasseur, and Richard Taylor.
Robert Semple (Richard Sample) d. 1719 1719 Unknown Was given command of a prize ship by Edward England, which was run ashore and captured off Brazil.
Richard Shipton d. 1726 1723–1726 Unknown Active in the Caribbean, best known for sailing alongside Edward Low and Francis Spriggs.
James Skyrme d. 1722 1720–1722 Wales Welsh pirate best known for captaining two of Bartholomew Roberts' prize ships.
Francis Spriggs d. 1725 to 1725 England Along with George Lowther and Edward Low, Spriggs was primarily active in the Bay of Honduras during the early 1720s.
Daniel Stillwell ? 1715–1718 England A minor pirate in the Caribbean, best known for his association with Benjamin Hornigold.
Ralph Stout d. 1697 1692–1697 Unknown Active in the Indian Ocean. He is best known for rescuing fellow pirate Robert Culliford after each of them spent separate 4-year periods in Mughal Empire prisons.
Thomas Sutton 1699–1722 1719–1722 Scotland Active off the coast of Africa. He was best known for sailing alongside Bartholomew Roberts.
John Swann (pirate) ? 1698–1699 Unknown A minor pirate in the Indian Ocean, known almost entirely for speculation about his relationship with Robert Culliford.
John Taylor early 18th century England At Reunion Island, Taylor is reputed to have captured the most valuable prize in pirate history.
Thomas Tew d. 1695 1692–1695 England Despite only going on two pirate voyages, Tew pioneered a route later known as the Pirate Round.
Captain Thompson d. 1719 1719 Cuba Active in the Caribbean. He is primarily known for a single incident involving grenades.
John Thurber 1649–1717 (or 1625–1705) 1685–1693 Unknown Last name also Churcher, he was a pirate trader and slave trader active off Madagascar. He is best known for his role in introducing rice to America as a staple crop and export commodity.
Regnier Tongrelow ? 1704–1705 France or Netherlands A prolific privateer who operated out of New England. He captured a large number of ships over a short career, sending most back to New York, and was known for attacking the largest ships he could find.
Richard Tookerman 1691–1723 1718–1723 England As a pirate, smuggler, and trader active in the Caribbean and the Carolinas, he became best known for involvement with pirates Stede Bonnet and Bartholomew Roberts.
Rais Hamidou 1770–1815 1790–1815 Algiers An Algerian privateer, later admiral who captured several ships during his career.
Turn Joe ? 1717 Ireland Irish pirate and privateer who left English service and sailed for Spain instead as a guarda costa privateer in the Caribbean.
Charles Vane 1680–1721 1716–1721 England Disliked due to his cruelty, Vane showed little respect for the pirate code, cheating his crew out of their shares in the takings.
Hendrick van Hoven d. 1699 1698–1699 Netherlands A buccaneer and pirate active in the Caribbean. He was known as "the grand pirate of the West Indies."
John Vidal ? 1727 Ireland / Colonial America A minor Irish-American pirate briefly active near Ocracoke Inlet off North Carolina. He is best known for bringing the Farley family with him, causing Martha Farley to be one of the few women tried for piracy.
Thomas Wake d. 1696 1694–1696 Colonial America Best known for sailing alongside Thomas Tew to join Henry Every in the Indian Ocean, hunting the Moghul treasure fleet.
Richard Want ? 1692–1696 Colonial America Active in the Indian Ocean. He is best known for sailing alongside Thomas Tew and Henry Every.
Brigstock Weaver ? 1720–1725 Unknown He is best known for his association with fellow pirates Thomas Anstis and Bartholomew Roberts.
John West (pirate) ? 1713–1714 Unknown A minor pirate in the Caribbean, best known for his association with Benjamin Hornigold.
Joseph Wheeler (pirate) ? 1696–1698 Unknown He is best known for sailing alongside Dirk Chivers and Robert Culliford.
Thomas White (pirate) d. 1708 d. 1708 1698–1708 He was only briefly a captain on his own but served under several more prominent captains such as George Booth, John Bowen, Thomas Howard, John Halsey, and Nathaniel North.
David Williams (pirate) d. 1709 1698–1709 Wales Welsh sailor who turned pirate after being abandoned on Madagascar. He was only briefly a Captain, and is best known for sailing under a number of more prominent pirate captains.
Paulsgrave Williams ? 1716–1723 Colonial America A pirate who sailed the Caribbean, American eastern seaboard, and off West Africa. He is best known for sailing alongside Samuel Bellamy.
Christopher Winter ? 1716–1723 England English pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for sailing in Spanish service and launching the career of Edward England.
Nicholas Woodall ? 1718 Unknown He is best known for his involvement with Charles Vane and Benjamin Hornigold.
Edward Woodman ? 1692–1706 Colonial America A pirate active in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
Richard Worley d. 1719 to 1719 England Credited as one of the first pirates to fly the skull and crossbones pirate flag.
Emanuel Wynn early 18th century France Was the first pirate to fly the "skull and crossbones" Jolly Roger. His design also incorporated an hourglass below the skull.
Charles Yeats ? 1718 Unknown He is best known for sailing alongside and then abandoning Charles Vane.

Post Golden Age: pirates, privateers, smugglers, and river pirates: 1730–1885

Luis Brión 2012 000
Luis Brion, Dutch privateer active in the Caribbean before joining as admiral of Simon Bolivar army
Hipólito Bouchard
Hippolyte Bouchard, oil on canvas by José Gil de Castro
Anonymous portrait of Jean Lafitte, early 19th century, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas
Jean Lafitte
George Watson Gregor MacGregor
Gregor MacGregor in the British Army, painted by George Watson, 1804
Francisco de Miranda by Tovar y Tovar
Francisco de Miranda by Martin Tovar y Tovar
Narciso Lopez
Narciso Lopez, Venezuelan filibuster
John-A.-Murrell-Portrait
John A. Murrell, known as the "Great Western Land Pirate," ran an American gang of river pirates and highwaymen along the Mississippi River
WilliamWalker
William Walker, American filibuster
Name Life Years Active Country of origin Comments
José Joaquim Almeida 1777–1832 1812–1832 Portugal Portuguese Barbary corsair who fought in the Anglo-American War of 1812 and the Argentine War of Independence.
Peter Alston 1765–1804 1797–1804 United States River pirate, highwayman, and counterfeiter, son of counterfeiter, Philip Alston, alias James May, who was believed to be an associate of the Samuel Mason and Micajah "Big" Harpe and Wiley "Little" Harpe.
Philip Alston 1740 or 1741–after 1799 1770?–1799? United States River pirate and counterfeiter, an associate of the counterfeiter John Duff and father of river pirate, highwayman, and counterfeiter, Peter Alston.
François Aregnaudeau 1774–1813 1810–1821 France Breton who commanded a number of privateers, most notably Blonde, and Duc de Dantzig. In them he captured numerous prizes. He and Duc de Dantzig disappeared without at trace around the end of 1812. Their disappearance gave rise to an unsubstantiated gruesome ghost ship legend.
Louis-Michel Aury 1788–1821 1810–1821 France French privateer, served the Republics of Venezuela and Mexico.
Joseph Baker d. 1800 1800 Canada The single piratical action of his career consisted of an unsuccessful attempt to commandeer the sloop Eliza.
Renato Beluche 1780–1860 1803–1823 Louisiana, New Spain A known associate of the Lafitte Brothers active in the Caribbean before joining Simon Bolivar army in his fight for South American independence.
Hippolyte Bouchard 1780–1837 1817–1819 France A French and Argentine sailor who fought for Argentina, Chile and Peru.
Luis Brion de Trox 1782–1821 1806–1821 Curaçao Dutch privateer, served to the Republics of Venezuela and Great Colombia.
Flora Burn fl. 1741 1740s–1750s England Female pirate active mainly off the East coast of North America from 1741.
Cabeza de Perro 1800 - ?  ? Spain Was a Spanish pirate. His physical characteristics earned him his nickname, which translates to Dog Head.
Henri Caesar early 19th century 1805–1830 Haiti Haitian pirate supposedly active in the Caribbean during the early 19th century. Historical existence is doubtful.
Eric Cobham and Maria Lindsey 1700–1760 1720s–1740s England Cobham and his wife, Maria, were primarily active in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
James Copeland 1823–1857 1830s–1857 United States A leader of a gang of pirates, smugglers, and outlaws in southern Mississippi and southern Alabama, around Mobile, known as the Wages and Copeland Clan.
Richard Coyle d. 1738 1738 England He is known for a single incident involving the murder of the Captain of the ship St. John.
Jacob Pettersson Degenaar 1692–1766 1740s Sweden
Sadie Farrell (Sadie The Goat)  ? 1869 United States An Irish American New York City river pirate and the criminal leader of the Charlton Street Gang in 1869.
James Ford 1770?–1833 1799?–1833 United States A civic leader and business owner in western Kentucky and southern Illinois, secretly, was the leader of a gang of river pirates and highwaymen, along the Ohio River, known as the "Ford's Ferry Gang."
Hezekiah Frith Early 19th century 1790s–1800s Bermuda British ship owner and smuggler known as Bermuda's "gentleman privateer". Alleged to have used his business as a cover to withhold cargo sized in privateering expeditions and amass a small fortune.
Vincent Gambi d. 1820 Italy A pirate based out of New Orleans, he was an associate of Jean Lafitte.
José Gaspar (Gasparilla) 1756–1821 1783–1821 Spain Spanish naval officer who turned to piracy and operated from a base in southwest Florida. Although Gaspar is a popular figure in local folklore and was the inspiration for Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival, there is no evidence of his existence.
Leoncio Prado Gutiérrez 1853–1883 1876–1877 Peru Prado a Peruvian mariner with Cuban revolutionaries seized the Spanish ship Moctezuma in the Caribbean sea at North of La Hispaniola. Renamed as Cespedes failed to liberate Cuba under Spanish rule. Realizing how the ship remained in the hands of the royalist navy, Prado ordered his men to leave and lit a barrel of gunpowder inside of the ammunition storage facilities.
Catherine Hagerty and Charlotte Badger early 19th century 1806 England Australian convicts. Among a group of convicts taken on board a shorthanded ship as crew. The convicts commandeered the ship and sailed for New Zealand. Hagerty was put ashore and died, Badger was never seen again.
Micajah and Wiley Harpe Before 1768–1799 (Micajah)
Before 1770–1799 (Wiley)
1775?–1799 (Micajah)
1775?–1804 (Wiley)
United States They were Loyalists in the American Revolution, as well as, river pirates and highwaymen, who preyed on travelers along the Ohio River and the waterways of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. The Harpe Brothers were associates of Samuel Mason and Peter Alston.
Pugsy Hurley 1846–after 1886 1865?–after 1886 United States English-born American burglar, river pirate and underworld figure in New York City during the mid-to late 19th century. An old time thief from the old Seventh Ward, he was also a well-known waterfront thug whose criminal career lasted over two decades. He especially gained notoriety as a member of the Patsy Conroy Gang.
Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalahimah 1760–1826 1780–1826 Kuwait The most famous pirate in the Persian Gulf, he ruled over Qatar and Dammam for short periods and fought alongside the Wahhabis against the Al-Khalifa tribe of Bahrain.
Bill Johnston 1782–1870 1810–1860 United States Nicknamed "Pirate of the Thousand Islands".
Edward Jordan 1771–1809 1794–1809 Canada Irish rebel, fisherman and pirate of Nova Scotia.
Jørgen Jørgensen 1780–1841 1807–1808 Denmark Danish adventurer and writer, he was captured by the British as a privateer during the Napoleonic Wars.
Jean Lafitte c. 1776–1826? 1803–1815
1817–1820s
France French pirate (or privateer) active in the Gulf of Mexico during the early 1800s. A wanted fugitive by the United States, he later participated, during the War of 1812, in the Battle of New Orleans on the side of Andrew Jackson and the Americans. In 1822, Lafitte approached the navy of Gran Colombia and Simon Bolivar granted a commission and given a new ship, a 40-ton schooner named General Santander.
Pierre Lafitte 1770–1821 1803–1821 France French pirate, and lesser-known brother of Jean Lafitte, active mainly in the Gulf of Mexico.
Narciso Lopez 1797–1851 1850–1851 Venezuela Venezuelan adventurer, enlisted in United States about six hundred filibusters and successfully reached Cuba in May 1850 to liberate the island from Spanish Crown rule. His troops took the town of Cárdenas, carrying a flag that López had designed, which later became the banner of modern Cuba. After another failed attempt to free Cuba he was executed in Havana by the royalists in 1851.
Sam Hall Lord 1778–1844 1800s–1840s Barbados Sam Lord was one of the most famous buccaneers on the island of Barbados.
Kazimierz Lux 1780–1846 1803–1819 Poland The Polish Pirates of the Caribbean. After fighting against a slave rebellion in Haiti, Lux started a career of piracy – shooting and boarding an American brig was one of his more spectacular successes; the vessel was later sold for 20,000 francs in Havana.
Gregor MacGregor 1786–1845 1810–1830 Scotland A Scottish adventurer, soldier and land speculator who fought in the Venezuelan and New Granadan struggle for independence. In 1817, led an army of only 150 men in an assault on Amelia Island, Florida. After his return to Britain in 1820, he claimed to be cacique of Poyais a fictional Central American country that MacGregor had invented which, with his promotional efforts, drew investors and eventually colonists.
Francisco de Miranda 1750–1816 1806 Venezuela Venezuelan militar and adventurer, who organized in 1806 two private filibustering expeditions from New York and Trinidad with the intention of liberate Venezuela under Spanish rule since XVI siecle. On April 28 of 1806 the small fleet was overtaken by Spanish warships off the coast of Venezuela. Only the Leander escaped. The Backus and Bee were captured with all the revolutionaries. Sixty men were put on trial for piracy and Ten were sentenced to death in Puerto Cabello. The Leander and the expeditionary force regrouped on the British islands of Barbados and Trinidad, assisted by HMS Lilly. The new expedition landed at La Vela de Coro on August 3, captured the fort and raised the tricolor flag for the first time on Venezuelan soil. Before dawn the next morning the expeditionaries occupied Coro, but found no support from the city residents and Miranda returned to England.
Samuel Mason 1739–1803 to 1803 United States Initially, a Revolutionary War Patriot captain in the Ohio County, Virginia militia and an associate judge and squire in Kentucky, Mason later, ran a gang of highway robbers and waterways river pirates.
John A. Murrell 1806?–1844 to 1834 United States Near-legendary bandit, known as the "Great Western Land Pirate," ran a gang of river pirates and highwaymen along the Mississippi River.
Robert Surcouf 1779–1823 1789–1808 France French privateer and slave trader who operated in the Indian Ocean between 1789 and 1801, and again from 1807 to 1808, capturing over 40 prizes, while amassing a large fortune as a ship-owner, both from privateering and from commerce.
Rachel Wall 1760–1789 1781–1782 Province of Pennsylvania Rachel and her husband George Wall were active off the New Hampshire coast until George and the crew were washed out to sea. She was executed in Boston on 8 October 1789.
William Walker 1824–1860 1852–1860 United States American lawyer, journalist and adventurer, who organized several private military expeditions into Latin America, with the intention of establishing English-speaking colonies under his personal control. Walker became president of the Republic of Nicaragua in 1856 and ruled until 1857, when he was defeated by a coalition of Central American armies. He was executed in Trujillo by the government of Honduras in 1860.
Alexander White 1762-1784 1784 East Coast of America Executed for piracy in Cambridge, Massachusetts in November 1784.
Dominique You 1775–1830 1802–1814 Haiti Acquired a reputation for daring as a pirate. Retired to become a politician in New Orleans.

Renegades of the West Indies: 1820–1830

Pirata Cofresi
The last of the successful Caribbean pirates, Roberto Cofresí underwent one of the broadest mythifications among Hispanic pirates.
Name Life Years active Country of origin Comments
Mansel Alcantra (Alcantara) fl. 1829 1820s Spain In 1829, he captured the Topaz off St. Helena and had the entire crew murdered.
Roberto Cofresí 1791–1825 1818–1825 Puerto Rico Considered the "last of the [successful] West India pirates", Cofresí avoided capture by the navies of six nations for years and became the final target of the West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations. After being captured by the Puerto Rican militia, he claimed to have a stash of 4,000 pieces of eight hidden, which he tried to use as a bribe.
Diabolito (Little Devil) d. 1823 Cuba Cuban-born pirate active in the Caribbean during the early 19th century. He was one of the first pirates to be hunted down by Commodore David Porter and the Mosquito Fleet during the early 1820s.
Charles Gibbs 1798–1831 1816–1831 United States One of the last pirates active in the Caribbean, and one of the last people executed for piracy by the United States.
"Don" Pedro Gilbert 1800–1834 1832–1834 Colombia Took part in the last recorded incident of piracy in Atlantic waters.
Benito de Soto 1805–1830 1827–1830 Spain The most notorious of the last generation to attack shipping on the Atlantic Ocean.
Jacque Alexander Tardy 1767–1827 1817–1827 France

Piracy in East and Southeast Asia: 1400–1860

鄭一嫂
Ching Shih, from China the most successful female pirate and one of the world's most powerful pirates in history.
Chui Apoo
Chui A-poo, a powerful 19th-century Qing Chinese pirate
Name Life Years Active Country of origin Comments
Chen Zuyi –1407 15th century China Based operations in Palembang, Sumatra and raided the Malacca Strait. Eventually captured by Ming admiral Zheng He.
Limahong 1499–1575 16th century China Pirate-warlord who raided the coast of Southern China, the northern Philippine Islands and Manila in 1574.
Wang Zhi –1560 16th century China Smuggler turned head of pirate syndicate, raided from Japan to Thailand.
Lin Daoqian –1580s 16th century China Led pirate attacks along the coast of Guangdong and Fujian. Driven to Taiwan by the Ming navy commander Yu Dayou.
Tuanku Abbas early 19th century to 1844 Malay Archipelago The brother of a rajah of Achin, known for his sponsoring and leading of pirate raids.
Eli Boggs 1810–1857 1830–1857 United States Pirate who sailed in Chinese junk for smuggling.
Cheng I d. 1807 to 1807 China A pirate on the Chinese coast in the 18h and 19th centuries.
Cheung Po Tsai early 19th century to 1810 China Active along the Guangdong coast and is said to have commanded a fleet of 600 junks.
Ching Shih d. 1844 1807–1810 China A prominent female pirate in late Qing China. She married a pirate and rose to prominence after his death. Regarded as one of the most powerful pirates in human history, she commanded her husband's fleet after his death. While the fleet she inherited was already large, she further increased the number of ships and crew. At its height, her fleet was composed of more than 1,500 ships and 80,000 sailors. She controlled much of the waters of the South China Sea. After years of piracy during which she defeated several attempts to capture her, the Qing government offered her peace in 1810 and she was able to retire. She married her second-in-command.
Chui A-poo d. 1851? 1840s–1850 China Based in Bias Bay east of Hong Kong, Chui preyed on merchant ships in the South China Sea until his fleet was defeated by the Royal Navy in 1849.
Abdulla al-Hadj d. 1843 1800s England/Arabia English pirate primarily known for his activity in the South China Sea
Shap Ng-tsai fl. 1840s 1845–1849 China Commanded around 70 junks in the South China Sea before retiring and accepting a pardon from the Chinese government.

Blackbirders, Shanghaiers, Crimps and African Slave Traders: 1860–1900

Name Life Years Active Country of origin Comments
Nathaniel Gordon 1826–1862 1860 United States The first and only American slave trader to be tried, convicted, and executed "for being engaged in the Slave Trade" in accordance with the Piracy Law of 1820.
Bully Hayes 1829–1877 1850–1877 United States The Pirate of the South Sea, was a notorious blackbirder in the South Pacific, and was described as "the last of the Buccaneers".
Albert W. Hicks 1820–1860 1860 United States New York waterfront thug who killed the 3-man crew of an oyster sloop after being shanghaied. He was the last man hung for piracy in the United States.
James "Shanghai" Kelly 1830–1892 1850–1870 United States A legendary figure in San Francisco history who owned several boarding houses and saloons, Kelly was renowned for his ability to supply men to understaffed ships. He was reported to have shanghaied 100 men for three ships in a single evening.
Joseph "Bunko" Kelly d. aft. 1908 1879–1894 England The "King of the Crimps" in Portland, Oregon, he shanghaiied over 2,000 men in all. In 1893, he delivered 20+ men who had mistakenly consumed embalming fluid from the open cellar of a mortuary. The ship sailed off before the captain realized most of the men were dead.
Pedro Ñancupel 1837–1888 1870s–1888 Chile A Pilgerodendron lumberjack turned pirate who was active in Guaitecas Archipelago and other archipelagoes of Patagonia in the 1870s and 1880s. Ñancupel was captured in Melinka in 1886 and bought into justice in Ancud the same year. After escaping from detainment in Ancud he was captured once again and executed by firing squad on November 11, 1888. He was said at the time to have killed 99 persons.
Ben Pease 1837–1870 1860–1870 United States A New England sea captain who kidnapped Pacific Islanders aboard the Pioneer, providing labor for the plantations of Fiji. When Bully Hayes was arrested for piracy in Samoa, Pease helped him to escape. When next the Pioneer returned to port, Hayes was at the helm, and was rumored to have killed Pease during a fight.

Piracy from the 20th–21st century: 1901–

Name Life Years active Country of origin Comments
Asad 'Booyah' Abdulahi 1966– 1998– Somalia Somali pirate boss, active in capturing ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean for ransoms.
Román Delgado Chalbaud 1882–1929 1929 Venezuela On 11 August 1929 Delgado Chalbaud led the steamship Falke, (renamed General Anzoátegui for the occasion) into Cumaná in a failed attempt to overthrow Venezuelan dictator Juan Vicente Gomez. After landing in Cumana the expeditionary force of 250–300 men soon ran into problems by government troops. Delgado was killed on the first day, and on 24 August, the leaders of the expedition surrendered. Venezuela's roving diplomat in Europe, José Ignacio Cárdenas, had reported on the planned expedition, which helped defeat it.
Rafael de Nogales Méndez 1879–1936 1902 Venezuela With the support of president Zelaya of Nicaragua, Nogales participated in a failed attempt to overthrow Venezuelan dictator Cipriano Castro involving an expedition aboard of schooner La Libertad. The forces landed in La Guajira peninsula but were defeated by general Antonio Davila in Carazua.
Paul del Rio 1943–2015 1963 Venezuela On 13 February 1963, Paul del Rio at the age of 19 was the leader of a Venezuelan revolutionary group, the Armed Forces of National Liberation, that seized the Venezuelan cargo ship Anzoategui in the Caribbean, in a failed attempt to overthrow President Romulo Betancourt. Involving 25 men, the ship was hauled off to the Brazilian coast, evading both the Venezuelan Navy and the U.S. Navy.
Henrique Galvão 1895–1970 1961 Portugal On January 22, 1961, Henrique Galvão led the Santa Maria hijacking, also known as Operation Dulcinea. The Portuguese revolutionaries isolated the vessel by cutting off all communication, and killed one officer and wounded several others. Galvão used the hijacking to send radio broadcasts from the ship calling attention to his concerns and views on what he characterized as President Salazar's regime of fascism. The liner evaded both the U.S. Navy and British Royal Navy for eleven days before docking safely at Recife, Brazil.
Abdul Hassan 1969– 2005– Somalia Somali pirate nicknamed "the one who never sleeps". Leader of the 350-men strong group "Central Regional Coast Guard", active in capturing ships for ransoms.
Felix von Luckner 1881–1966 1916–1917 Germany German navy officer nobleman privateer known by the epithet Der Seeteufel (the Sea-Devil) – and his crew that of Die Piraten des Kaisers (the Emperor's Pirates) – for his exploits in command of the sailing commerce raider SMS Seeadler (Sea Eagle) in 1916–17, during World War I.
Manuel Antonio Matos 1847–1929 1902–1903 Venezuela With the support of the New York & Bermudez Company and Orinoco Steamship Company, in 1901 Matos participated in a failed revolution to overthrow Venezuelan dictator Cipriano Castro, involving an expedition from Trinidad aboard the steamship Ban Righ with men, weapons, ammunition for the revolutionary army. The forces landed in Coro, Paraguana peninsula, but were defeated in La Victoria by government forces on November 2, 1902.
Gustavo Machado Morales 1898–1987 1929 Venezuela Participated in Rafael Simón Urbina's June 1929 taking of Fort Amsterdam in Curaçao, in another failed attempt to overthrow dictator Juan Vicente Gómez, involving 250 men. This attempt involved the kidnapping of the governor of Curaçao, Leonardus Albert Fruytier, who was hauled off to invade Venezuela on the stolen American ship Maracaibo. After this raid was defeated by Gómez forces, he went into exile in Colombia with Urbina and other revolutionaries.
Joseph Mortelmans 1884-? 1907-1908 Belgium Joseph Mortelmans, a 25-year-old seaman on the Nueva Tigre, a 50-ton sailing ship registered and sailed under the Peruvian flag, forced the captain and mate into the water on 18 November 1907 after departing Callao. He forced the other seaman, a youth named Skerritt, to help sail the ship to the west. The ship’s name was changed to be the White Rose. The ship struck the reef of Abemama in the Gilbert Islands on 24 January 1908. Skerritt disclosed the events as to the seizing of the ship and Mortelmans was charged with piracy and convicted in the Supreme Court of Suva in Fiji. He served his sentence in a prison in New South Wales, Australia, and was released in 1931.
Abduwali Muse 1990– 2008–2009 Somalia On 16 February 2011, Muse was a defendant in the first piracy trial in the United States in almost two centuries.
Peter de Neumann 1917–1972 1941 United Kingdom Second Officer aboard the RN prize vessel Criton (captured from the Vichy French). Widely known as "The Man From Timbuctoo".
"Roaring" Dan Seavey 1865–1949 1900–1930 United States Active as a "Timber Pirate", "Lake Pirate", and "Great Lakes Pirate", in Wisconsin and Michigan, on the Great Lakes.
Boysie Singh 1908–1957 1947–1956 Trinidad Active in the waters between Venezuela and Trinidad. Singh commonly attacked fishing boats, killing the crew and stealing the boat engine, before sinking the boat and selling the engine.
Rafael Simón Urbina 1897–1952 1929–1931 Venezuela Participated in Gustavo Machado Morales's June 1929 taking of Fort Amsterdam in Curaçao, involving 250 men. This attempt involved the kidnapping of the governor of Curaçao, Leonardus Albert Fruytier, who was hauled off to invade Venezuela on the stolen American steamship Maracaibo to overthrow the dictatorship of General Gomez. After this raid was defeated by troops conducted by Leon Jurado, he went into exile in Colombia with Machado and other revolutionaries. In October 1931, aboard the stolen American tanker Progresso with 137 Mexican braceros and 8 Venezuelans, it landed at Puerto Gutiérrez and took Capatárida being defeated once more by General Leon Jurado's troops, after which he fled the country again.
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