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A ghost ship is discovered adrift on the Caribbean. Another mystery for the men who patrol those waters of dreadful fascination: the infamous Bermuda Triangle … Investigators think they have an answer … a theory that is cautiously accepted by the coastguards … a bizarre anachronism: the plundering buccaneer. In Search of s3e10 … Bermuda Triangle Pirates, 1979
Beneath a strange old oak tree the search began: In 1795 three boys found a deep pit built a century before. They were convinced it held something of immense value. The clues uncovered were so tantalising that men have been digging ever since. Today, two centuries later, the search continues for the buried treasure of Oak Island. In Search of s3e16 … The Money Pit Mystery
One of the world’s most elaborate treasure hunts is presently underway on Oak Island off the east coast of Canada. In the 1600s the waters of Nova Scotia were a haven for pirates eluding British and Spanish pursuit. ibid.
As early as 1720 strange lights have been seen at night on the island’s coast. Two fishermen who went out to investigate vanished. ibid.
1579: A new age of piracy … Francis Drake. Mankind: The Story of All of Us VIII: Treasure, History 2012
Enough to pay off England’s entire national debt and fund its government for a year. ibid.
In this raid, [Sir Francis] Drake seized eighty pound in weight of gold. And more than twenty-six tons in silver bars ... It’s one of the biggest heists in history. The British III: Revolution, Sky Atlantic 2012
This was piracy with a twist ... Privateering. Jeremy Paxman, Empire IV: Making a Fortune, BBC 2012
Pirates – most of whom were quietly under rob, pillage and plunder contracts to the English government in return for 50%. James Burke, Connections s2e10: Deja Vu, BBC 1994
Holy Long John Silver! A pirate periscope! Batman 1966 starring Adam West & Burt Ward & Lee Meriwether & Cesar Romero & Burgess Meredith & Frank Gorshin & Alan Napier & Neil Hamilton & Stafford Repp & Madge Blake & Reginard Denny & Milton Frome & Gil Perkins & Dick Crockett et al, director Leslie H Martinson
It’s five dehydrated pirates rehydrated! ibid.
Drake was England’s most brazen pirate. Dan Snow, Armada: 12 Days to Save England, BBC 2015
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H L Mencken, 1880-1956
It is, it is a glorious thing
To be a Pirate King. W S Gilbert, The Pirates of Penzance 1879
Come gather round, mates while I sing this strange tale,
T’was a bright winter day when we sidled the sail,
And captured a treasure of fine silver plate
And five-hundred Spanish pieces of eight.
Oh the ocean is wide and the ocean is cold,
And they say there’s a black curse upon pirate gold. The Buccaneers 1957 starring Sid James, Sid’s pirate song
Now I am the richest person in the world. Yellowbeard 1983 starring Peter Cook & Peter Boyle & Graham Chapman & Cheech & Chong & Marty Feldman & Martin Hewitt & James Mason & John Cleese & Kenneth Mars & Spike Milligan & Nigel Planer & Susannah York & Beryl Reid et al, director Mel Damski, opening scene
The pirate Yellowbeard captured many other galleons, killing over 500 men in cold blood. He would tear the captains’ hearts out and swallow them whole. Often forcing his victims to eat their own lips, he was caught and imprisoned for tax evasion. But despite years of rehabilitation and torture he refused to divulge the whereabouts of his treasure. ibid. caption
Chapman: They broke their solemn word.
Feldman: That’s governments for you. ibid.
Where’s my pirating outfit? ibid. Yellowbeard to bird
He [William Kidd] is one of the most legendary pirates in history. Tales of his cunning and riches have spread across the centuries since his trial and execution in 1701. But some believe his trial was unjust, and he was the fall guy for the chain of command that leads all the way up to the King of England. Mystery Files: Captain Kidd, National Geographic 2011
William Kidd has gone down in history as a ruthless buccaneer. But in 1695 he is in fact a reputable and experienced sea captain based in New York, at this time part of the English empire. ibid.
Privateers are licensed by the State to capture and attack enemy ships. ibid.
On his return to America he is arrested and sent to trial in London. ibid.
The issue is whether he kept within the terms of his privateer’s licence. ibid.
Kidd claims that at the time he thought the ship [Quedagh Merchant] was French. And he has the paperwork to prove it. ibid.
The existence of the passes was a matter of debate until 1910 ... They had been simply or mysteriously misfiled. ibid.
Kidd should have been exonerated of these two piracy charges. The authorities should have known of their existence. ibid.
The Quedagh Merchant is brokered by the East India Company. ibid.
The East India Company must see Kidd convicted. And it turns out they are not the only ones needing blood. ibid.
One more person would also take a cut of the spoils – King William of England. This investment deal was originally made in secret, but with Kidd’s arrest word got out. ibid.
The claim of an unfair trial has long been debated ... A scapegoat to save the skins of more powerful men. ibid.
Captain Kidd was one of the leading citizens in New York City. A strong clever intelligent man and a successful captain. Richard Zacks, author The Pirate Hunter
Everyone wanted him to be a pirate. Richard Zacks
He is absolutely flabbergasted to be charged with murder. Richard Zacks
I find Captain Kidd’s verdict appalling. I think he was at worst guilty of manslaughter. Richard Zacks
Privateering was business, a business opportunity ... This was licensed private enterprise warfare. Professor Andrew Lambert, Kings College London
He [Kidd] is completely unaware that opinion has turned against him. Tom Wareham, Museum of London at Docklands
Dusk Easter Sunday 2009: Snipers from the US Navy Special Forces take aim at three targets ... an end to a ninety-six-hour standoff. Somali Pirate Takedown: The Real Story, Discovery 2014
Since January 2008 more than a hundred and fifty vessels have been hijacked and up to a hundred and fifty million dollars in ransom has been paid. ibid.
Their captain is gone, a prisoner on board the lifeboat, heading towards Somalia ... After six hours they fall behind. ibid.
The Bainbridge puts an end to the seventeen-hour ordeal. ibid.
Drake was England’s most brazen pirate. Dan Snow, Armada: 12 Days to Save England, BBC 2015
Some pirates achieved immortality by great deeds of cruelty or derring-do. Some achieved immortality by amassing great wealth. But the captain had long ago decided that he would, on the whole, prefer to achieve immortality by not dying. Terry Pratchett, The Colour of Magic