Henry Every: The Infamous Pirate Who Captivated the World
A Pirate Like No Other
Henry Every, also known as Henry Avery, is infamous for being one of the few major pirate captains to escape with his loot without being arrested or killed in battle. Dubbed "The Arch Pirate" and "The King of Pirates" by his contemporaries, Every's exploits captured the public's imagination and inspired others to take up piracy.
A Life of Piracy
Every's pirate career began when he was first mate aboard the warship Charles II. The crew grew discontented as Spain failed to deliver a letter of marque, and the ship's owners failed to pay their wages, leading to a mutiny. Charles II was renamed the Fancy, and Every was elected as the new captain.
The Heist of the Century
Every's most famous raid took place on September 7, 1695, when he attacked a 25-ship convoy of Grand Mughal vessels making the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Joining forces with several pirate vessels, Every found himself in command of a small pirate squadron, and they were able to capture up to 600,000 in precious metals and jewels, equivalent to around 115 million in 2024.
A Global Manhunt
This daring heist caused considerable damage to England's fragile relations with the Mughals, and a combined bounty of 1,000 (an immense sum at the time) was offered by the Privy Council and the East India Company for his capture, leading to the first worldwide manhunt in recorded history.
Career Highlights
- Used several aliases throughout his career, including Benjamin Bridgeman
- Known as "Long Ben" to his crewmen and associates
- Escaped with his loot without being arrested or killed in battle
- Perpetrator of what has been called the most profitable act of piracy in history
Legacy
Every's exploits inspired works of literature, and his legend has endured for centuries. Although his career as a pirate lasted only two years, his impact on piracy and the imagination of the public has been immense.
FAQ
What was Henry Everys most famous exploit?
Henry Every was an English pirate who is best known for his daring raid on the Ganj-i-Sawai, a treasure ship belonging to the Mughal Empire. The raid made Every one of the richest pirates in history.
What was Henry Everys life like before becoming a pirate?
Little is known about Henry Everys life before he became a pirate, but it is believed that he served in the English navy before turning to piracy.
How did Henry Every evade capture?
Henry Every evaded capture by fleeing to the island of Réunion, where he hid out for several years. He eventually disappeared, and his fate remains a mystery.
What was Henry Everys legacy?
Henry Everys legacy is that of a notorious pirate, who captured the imagination of the public with his daring exploits. He is remembered as one of the most successful pirates in history.
What was Henry Everys role in pirate folklore?
Henry Every played a significant role in shaping pirate folklore, and his exploits have been romanticized and fictionalized in countless books, films, and other works of fiction.
