1 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Pirates and piracy from centuries past are now viewed in a rose tinted romantic light, and the names of many live on into the current day, including the likes of Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. Less well known today is Captain John Avery, even though he was one of the most famous in his day, and although not prolific he was successful, and managed to retire before meeting the gibbet.

- The Birth of John Avery

There is not a great deal known about the early life of Avery, although it is presumed he was born in 1653, in the Cat Down suburb of Plymouth, in Devon, England. Cat Down no longer exists although it roughly equates to the Cattledown area of the city which lies next to the River Plym in the south-east of the city.

- The Early Career of Captain John Avery

It would appear that there was only one career open to the young John Avery, and it seems that he served on various Royal Navy craft. It is thought that he was at Algiers with the English fleet when they were bombarding the fleet in 1671. From there he is thought to have been a buccaneer off of the Spanish Main as well as captain of a logwood freighter in the Bay of Campeachy. John Avery then became a privateer working for Captain Nicholls in 1691 and 1692, as well as being employed by the Governor of Bermuda as a slave trader. This trade involved the buying of slaves from the coastal areas of West Africa and then transporting them to the Caribbean and the east coast of America.

In 1694 Avery was the first mate onboard the Charles II, a 46 gun privateer in the fleet of Sir James Houblon operating out of La Coruna. The ship was under the command of Captain Gibson, an unpopular captain, who was directed to attack French smugglers operating in the area. One night though the crew mutinied, partially due to the drunken actions of the captain, and partially because it had been many months since the crew had been paid. The mutineers put Captain Gibson ashore and elected John Avery to be the ship's new captain.

As he entered into a career as a pirate he became wildly known as Henry Every, although he was known as John Every, Long Ben and Captain Benjamin Bridgeman. He was also known by the public as the "Arch Pirate".

- John Avery's Year of Crime

John Avery's entire career as a pirate is condensed into a twelve month period. The Charles II left La Coruna and was renamed the Fancy. The crew were desperate to make their fortunes so they headed towards Madagascar. At the Cape Verde Islands, Avery had his first successes

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Pirates and privateers: Captain John Avery 'The Arch Pirate'?
We want to hear your view. Write now!