Pirates have always captured our imagination with their daring adventures and ruthless exploits. These notorious sea raiders roamed the oceans, plundering ships and amassing treasures. Their stories are filled with battles, betrayals, and legendary treasures that have inspired countless tales and movies, but how many of those tales were true? Grab your sword and prepare to walk the plank with 15 of the most famous and deadly pirates who ever sailed the high seas.
Blackbeard (Edward Teach)
Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, is perhaps the most infamous pirate of all time. He terrorized the Caribbean and the southeastern coast of America during the early 18th century. Known for his thick black beard and fearsome appearance, he would often light fuses under his hat to create a terrifying image. Blackbeard’s reign of terror ended in 1718 when he was killed in a fierce battle with the Royal Navy.
Anne Bonny
Anne Bonny was one of the few female pirates to gain notoriety during the Golden Age of Piracy. Born in Ireland, she moved to the Bahamas, where she joined forces with the pirate Calico Jack. Disguised as a man, Anne fought alongside the crew and became known for her fierce temper and bravery. Her pirate career ended when she was captured in 1720, but her fate remains unknown.
William Kidd
William Kidd, better known as Captain Kidd, started as a privateer before turning to piracy. He was commissioned by the English government to hunt down pirates but ended up becoming one himself. Kidd’s most famous exploit was the capture of the Quedagh Merchant, a treasure-laden ship. His career came to an end when he was arrested and executed for piracy in 1701.
Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)
Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, was one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age. He captured over 400 ships during his career and was known for his flashy style and strict pirate code. Roberts preferred to attack in broad daylight, displaying a boldness that struck fear into his enemies. He was killed in battle in 1722, bringing an end to his extraordinary pirating career.
Henry Morgan
Henry Morgan was a Welsh privateer who later became a pirate and one of the most feared men in the Caribbean. He led daring raids on Spanish settlements and ships, amassing great wealth and infamy. Despite his ruthless methods, Morgan was eventually knighted and appointed Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. He died in 1688, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most notorious pirates in history.
Mary Read
Like Anne Bonny, Mary Read was a rare female pirate who disguised herself as a man to join pirate crews. She sailed with Calico Jack and Anne Bonny, becoming known for her courage and fighting skills. Mary was captured along with Anne in 1720 and died in prison a few months later. Her story remains one of the most fascinating tales of female piracy.
Samuel Bellamy (Black Sam)
Samuel Bellamy, known as Black Sam, was an English pirate who captured over 50 ships in his short but prolific career. He was known for his generosity towards his crew and his desire for equality, earning him the nickname “Robin Hood of the Sea.” Bellamy’s career ended abruptly when his ship, the Whydah, sank in a storm off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717.
Charles Vane
Charles Vane was an English pirate known for his cruelty and defiance. He operated in the Bahamas and along the American eastern seaboard, attacking English and Spanish ships alike. Vane’s refusal to accept a royal pardon led to his downfall, and he was captured and hanged in 1721. His rebellious spirit and brutal tactics made him one of the most feared pirates of his time.
Calico Jack (Jack Rackham)
Jack Rackham, better known as Calico Jack, was famous for his flamboyant style and the distinctive calico clothing he wore. He is best known for having two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, among his crew. Rackham’s career was short-lived, and he was captured and hanged in 1720. Despite his brief career, Calico Jack remains one of the most well-known pirates in history.
Edward Low
Edward Low was an English pirate known for his viciousness and cruelty. He started his pirate career in the 1720s and quickly gained a reputation for torturing and murdering his captives. Low’s brutality made him one of the most feared pirates of his era. His fate is uncertain, but he is believed to have died around 1724.
Jean Lafitte
Jean Lafitte was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico during the early 19th century. He and his brother Pierre ran a smuggling operation from their base in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Lafitte played a key role in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, aiding the American forces. He disappeared around 1823, and his ultimate fate remains a mystery.
Stede Bonnet
Stede Bonnet, known as the “Gentleman Pirate,” was an unusual figure among pirates. He was a wealthy landowner who turned to piracy out of boredom and personal dissatisfaction. Despite his lack of experience, Bonnet managed to capture several ships before being captured himself. He was hanged in 1718, leaving behind a unique legacy as a gentleman-turned-pirate.
Henry Every (Avery)
Henry Every, also known as Long Ben, was an English pirate who became notorious for his capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai, a Mughal ship laden with treasure. This single exploit made him one of the wealthiest pirates of his time. Every vanished after this raid, and his fate remains one of the great mysteries of piracy. He is remembered as one of the few pirates to retire with his loot.
Thomas Tew
Thomas Tew was an English pirate known for his successful raids in the Indian Ocean. He captured the richly laden ship Amity and became one of the wealthiest pirates of his time. Tew’s luck ran out when he was killed in a battle against a Mughal convoy in 1695. His daring exploits earned him a place in pirate lore as one of the most successful and daring pirates.
Benjamin Hornigold
Benjamin Hornigold was an English pirate and privateer who operated in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. He is best known for mentoring other infamous pirates, including Blackbeard. Hornigold eventually accepted a royal pardon and became a pirate hunter. He died in a shipwreck around 1719, but his influence on the world of piracy was significant.