Exploring The Golden Age Of Piracy

EXPLORING

THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY

By Kendea Smith Illustrations by Allan P. Wallace

Mary Read

washbuckling pirates have always played a major role in the allure of the islands of The Bahamas. One could not write the story of The Bahamas without mentioning these infamous rebels, who, in many ways, shaped the culture of the country. Pirates, known as thieves of the seas, shaped the criminal element of The Bahamas. S MEET THE MOST According to the Pirates of Nassau museum’s website, the Golden Age of Piracy began in the late 1690s and lasted until 1720. “It began around 1696, when privateer Henry Every brought his ship, the FAMOUS Fancy, loaded with loot from plundering Indian Empire trade ships into Nassau Harbour,” the website read. “Every bribed the Governor of The Bahamas Nicholas Trott with gold, silver PIRATES and the Fancy, itself, which was still loaded with 50 tons of elephant tusks and 100 barrels of gunpowder.” This undermined the laws of the day and birthed the pirate revolution. Blackbeard

The lack of structure in the government also played a major role in a thriving One of most notorious pirates of The Bahamas was Edward Teach also piracy era. The structure of the law had completely broken down by 1704 and known as Blackbeard. In fact, Blackbeard is known to be the most famous New Providence—the epicentre of piracy at the time—had little to no officers pirate in the world. According to Daniel Defoe, author of A General History to defend the island. of Pyrates (1724), Blackbeard was born in England under the name Edward

The islands of The Bahamas have long been a breath-taking paradise. Thatch and served as a privateer during the War of Spanish Succession. Pirates, however, saw their location as a main attraction, as they were positioned In 1716, he began an illustrious pirating career in the Caribbean Sea near busy shipping lanes, which gave the pirates an ample supply of victims. and off the coasts of South Carolina and Virginia in his ship, the Queen’s

Additionally, the surrounding waters were far too shallow for man o’ war ships Revenge. Blackbeard was as fearsome as he was large in stature. To used by the US Navy, but perfect for the shallow draft vessels favoured by make himself look even more terrifying, he would light fuses in his hats pirates. Even more attractive to pirates were the small islands, shallow water and enormous black beard, which made him look like the “devil incarnate” and coves, which were perfect hiding places. (Defoe, 1724).

Most pirates used Nassau as their base. Some of the most famous locations Despite having the reputation of being ferocious, there are no records of during the Golden Age of Piracy were Hog Island, now known as Paradise Island, Blackbeard killing anyone. He prevailed on fear alone. Potter’s Cay and Old Fort Nassau, which is now home to the British Colonial Hotel. Even centuries after his death, Blackbeard remains a legendary character

Pirates also loved a good party. There were lots of good food, rum and fresh having been portrayed in films and on numerous television shows as the greatest water on some of the islands. pirate of all time.

Calico Jack

Calico Jack

John Rackham, better known as Calico Jack, was a Caribbean buccaneer known for his relationship with fellow pirate Anne Bonny. He’s also famous for his association with the design of the Jolly Roger Flag—a white skull above two crossed swords on a black background.

Rackham’s story is somewhat of a romantic one. While he captured many bounties, he soon found his way to Nassau and received pardon from Governor Woodes Rodgers. It was in Nassau, where he met Bonny, who was the wife of a sailor who worked for Rodgers. Rackham escaped with Bonny and the pair stole a sloop, essentially nullifying Rackham’s pardon. For two months, the couple terrorized the seas, capturing fleets, and travelled to Cuba for Bonny to give birth to Rackham’s baby. It was there where they met Mary Read—the second woman to join Rackham’s crew. Rackham was eventually captured in Jamaica in 1720 and was hung in a very public location now known as Rackham’s Cave.

Anne Bonny

History calls Anne Bonny the most famous female pirate of all time. When she joined Rackham on his ship, she disguised herself as a man, as women were considered bad luck on a ship. After Rackham was captured and tried, so was Bonny. However, her pregnancy granted her a stay of execution. While Read died in prison the next year, Bonny was eventually released. She returned to Charles Towne, South Carolina, remarried, had children and lived out the remainder of her days.

Today, The Bahamas continues to intrigue pirate lovers around the world.

Manager of Pirates of Nassau Samantha Allen said there is little wonder why.

“We have a lot of people who enjoy history and love to learn more about the culture of the place where they are visiting,” she said. “There are also people who have watched the various pirate shows and movies like the Pirates of the Caribbean or the Black Sails and that has intrigued them and make them want to learn more.”

Owner of Blackbeard’s Revenge Pirate Tour Tony Knowles has similar sentiments.

“People are fascinated with pirates just like children are fascinated with Santa Claus. It’s the allure of adventure. People follow pirates all over the world. The Bahamas is so rich in its pirate culture because of that time where there were so many rebels. It was a new way of life and freedom, and many tourists want to learn more about it,” he said. UA