The life of a pirate in the golden age of sail was a dangerous one. Most did not live to see old age, and even fewer managed to win the riches which brought them to this life. If the heavily armed and dangerous European naval ships did not see you hanged for your crimes, the lifestyle surely would ensure your life was short.
For a to succeed at this life was rare indeed, but for a pirate to escape with his treasure and successfully disappear was almost unheard of. But this is a story of a pirate who may have done just that. This is the story of “Long Ben”, the “King of Pirates” and the most successful pirate of all time: Henry Every.
Trained by the Best
Born in Plymouth, in either 1653 or 1659, from the first Every was immersed in the British and seafaring traditions. Every’s father was also a seafarer, so he followed his footsteps and embarked on his first sea journey quite early in his life.
His career at sea started out as a humble mate on a merchant vessel. Although not a great deal is known about his early life, it is known that his passion for sea voyages and wanderer spirit were present from an early age. Eventually, Every joined the .
