Henry Every
Henry Every (sometimes spelled Avery), also known by his nickname Long Ben, was one of the most infamous and successful…
Henry Every (sometimes spelled Avery), also known by his nickname Long Ben, was one of the most infamous and successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. Active primarily in the late 17th century, he is best known for orchestrating the capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai, a massive treasure-laden ship of the Mughal Empire, which made him one of the wealthiest pirates in history. Every’s success, combined with his ability to vanish without a trace, has contributed to his legendary status among pirates.
Early Life and Career
Not much is definitively known about Every’s early life. He was likely born around 1659 in the village of Newton Ferrers near Plymouth, England. His early life remains largely speculative, but records suggest that he may have served in the Royal Navy or worked on slave ships and privateers, acquiring considerable experience at sea.
Transition to Piracy
Henry Every’s career as a pirate began in 1694 when he participated in a mutiny aboard the warship Charles II, a vessel hired by the Spanish crown to engage in privateering activities in the Caribbean against the French. At the time, the crew had gone unpaid, and dissatisfaction was high.
In May 1694, Every and other mutineers seized control of the ship while it was docked in La Coruña, Spain, renaming it the Fancy. Every was elected captain by his crew, marking his official entry into piracy. The crew of the Fancy set out to the Indian Ocean, where lucrative opportunities awaited in the form of merchant ships traveling between Europe, the Middle East, and India.
The Capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai (1695)
Every’s most famous exploit occurred in 1695 when he and his crew targeted a convoy of Mughal ships returning to India from Mecca, laden with wealth from pilgrims and trade. Among these ships was the Ganj-i-Sawai, a royal vessel belonging to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Ganj-i-Sawai was heavily armed and one of the largest and most well-protected ships of the time, carrying a vast treasure in gold, silver, and other riches.
The Battle:
Every and the Fancy attacked the Ganj-i-Sawai near the coast of Yemen, first by capturing an escort ship called the Fateh Muhammed and then engaging the Ganj-i-Sawai in a fierce battle. Despite its armament and size, the Mughal ship was at a disadvantage due to a malfunctioning cannon, allowing the pirates to overwhelm its crew.
Plunder and Atrocities:
Once on board, Every’s men looted the Ganj-i-Sawai, seizing a massive fortune. It is estimated that the pirates stole between £325,000 and £600,000 worth of treasure (equivalent to tens of millions in modern currency). The crew also reportedly committed atrocities against the passengers, including the rape and torture of women, leading to widespread outrage in the Mughal Empire.
Aftermath and Consequences:
The successful capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai made Henry Every and his crew incredibly wealthy, but it also had far-reaching diplomatic consequences. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was furious at the attack on his ship and subjects, leading to strained relations between Britain and the Mughal Empire. British merchants and officials in India faced severe reprisals, including the closure of English trading posts.
The First Global Manhunt:
In response to the incident, the British East India Company and the government of England launched what is often considered the first international manhunt for a pirate. The reward for Every’s capture was substantial, and his face became well-known throughout the world, with wanted posters being distributed from the Caribbean to India.
Despite the global search for him, Henry Every managed to disappear. Some of his crew members were captured and executed, but Every himself was never caught. Various rumors about his fate emerged, with some suggesting he lived out the rest of his life in anonymity, possibly in Britain or the West Indies, while others speculated that he might have escaped to a pirate haven.
Legacy and Impact
Henry Every became one of the most notorious pirates of his time, and his successful career — along with his ability to evade capture — contributed to his mythic status. His exploits inspired future generations of pirates, including famous figures like Blackbeard and Bartholomew Roberts. Every’s capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai also influenced Britain’s relationships with other nations, especially in terms of how piracy affected international diplomacy.
The Pirate’s Myth:
Every’s disappearance and his vast fortune have fueled numerous legends. Unlike most pirates, whose careers ended violently or in execution, Every seemingly retired without consequence, cementing his legacy as one of the few pirates to escape justice and enjoy the fruits of his criminal enterprise.
His story has been romanticized in popular culture, including novels, ballads, and more recently, films and television series about piracy. He remains a symbol of the allure of piracy, representing both the wealth and brutality associated with the Golden Age of Piracy.
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