Henry Every may not be as famous as later pirates like Blackbeard or Bartholomew Roberts, but his brief career may have inspired many of them to first take up the cutlass and set sail under the Jolly Roger. During just two years prowling the seas, Every and his band captured roughly a dozen vessels and made off with tens of millions of dollars in booty. His exploits inspired songs, books and plays, including one called “The Successful Pyrate” that was performed on London stages for several years. Most astonishing of all—and unlike Blackbeard and many others—he did it all without getting captured or killed.
The most famous raids occurred on September 7, 1695. A frigate consisted of 25-ship convoy of Grand Mughal vessels making the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, including the treasure-laden Ghanjah dhow Ganj-i-sawai and its escort, Fateh Muhammed. When Joining forces with several pirate vessels, Every commanded a small pirate squadron. During the bloody Ganj-i-Sawai attack, they were able to capture up to £600,000 in precious metals and jewels, equivalent to around £91.9 million in 2021, which caused considerable damage to England's fragile relations with the Mughals.
The attack had driven the Grand Mughal Aurangzeb into a rage, and he responded by arresting several higher-ups in the English East India Company, which he believed had conspired against him. Fearing the cancellation of their valuable trade agreements, the Company compensated the Mughals for what was stolen and vowed to bring the pirates to justice. East India Company and Royal Navy vessels were soon scouring the seas in search of the Fancy, and a large bounty was placed on Every’s head. Here's a picture of their jolly Roger.
Although some of his crew members were subsequently arrested, fortunately, he himself escaped. Then all records about him disappeared in 1696, and people did not know his whereabouts and activities. Some people speculate that he may have changed his name and retired or spent the rest of his life quietly on an unknown tropical island in the UK. Others think that Every may have squandered his wealth. This is still a mystery to the world.
His famous deeds have also affected many people, and people admire him for his bravery and wisdom. Some people wrote his story into some literary works and passed on to the world.
In my opinion, he may live an ordinary life in another identity. Although there are countless treasures to be explored in the ocean, you may be terrified every day. Either you die or I die. The pirate watches we studied were made to record the famous deeds of pirates. Each watch represents a different story they have experienced.
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