William Parker (privateer) facts for kids

William Parker (died September 24, 1618) was an English sea captain and a type of sailor called a privateer. He also served as the Mayor of Plymouth, a city in England.

William Parker was born near Plymouth. He came from a family of "lesser gentry," which means they were landowners but not nobles. He became a successful businessman and later, in 1601, was elected Mayor of Plymouth. Before that, he worked as a privateer for Queen Elizabeth I. Privateers were like legal pirates who were allowed by their government to attack enemy ships and take their goods during wartime.

Early Adventures at Sea

In 1587, Captain Parker sailed with the famous Sir Francis Drake. They took part in Drake's attack on Cadiz, a Spanish port. This was an important event in the war between England and Spain.

Voyages to the West Indies

During the 1590s, Captain Parker explored the West Indies. He captured several "prizes," which were enemy ships and their valuable cargo. He attacked Puerto Cortés in Honduras twice, in 1594 and 1595.

Later, he worked with Sir Anthony Sherley on a voyage. However, they didn't find much treasure, so their partnership ended. Captain Parker then decided to attack Campeche in Mexico on his own. He was injured during this fight but managed to capture a Spanish ship carrying silver. This ship was on its way to San Juan De Ulua.

Major Victories and Becoming Mayor

Captain Parker achieved a very important victory in February 1601. He captured Portobello, a major port in what is now Panama. Portobello was a key place where valuable treasure from Peru was loaded onto ships heading to Spain.

After Portobello, Captain Parker continued his successful voyages. He sailed to Panama and also attacked Saint Vincent in the Cape Verde Islands. He captured pearl-fishing boats and a Portuguese ship. His many successes made him a hero in Plymouth. Because of his fame, he was elected Mayor of Plymouth in 1601.

Joining the Virginia Company

In 1606, Captain Parker became one of the first members of the Virginia Company. This company was formed to set up English colonies in North America, including the famous Jamestown settlement.

Final Voyage and Death

Captain Parker was later made a Vice-Admiral. He set out on a long journey to the East Indies, a region in Southeast Asia. Sadly, he died during this voyage on September 24, 1618, while on his way to a place called Bantam.

See also

In Spanish: William Parker (corsario) para niños