Henry Every - Long Ben the Pirate
**Henry Every: The Pirate Who Shattered the Golden Age of Piracy**
Few pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy are as enigmatic or impactful as Henry Every, also known as “Long Ben.” His daring exploits, mysterious disappearance, and the relentless pursuit by authorities have cemented his place in maritime history as one of the most infamous and intriguing pirates of all time.
### Early Life and Rising Reputation
Henry Every was born around 1659 in Devon, England. Little is known about his early years, but by the late 17th century, he had taken to the seas, initially working as a sailor and privateer. Unlike many pirates who emerged from rough beginnings, Every’s early career suggested a man capable of strategic thinking and leadership.
His rise to notoriety began in the early 1690s, during a period when the British East India Company’s ships sailed along dangerous routes plagued by piracy, privateering, and competing colonial powers. Every and his crew initially operated as privateers, authorized to attack enemy ships, but they soon crossed the line into outright piracy.
### The Capture of the Ganj-i-Sawai
Henry Every’s most infamous act occurred in 1695. His crew, aboard the *Fancy*, a converted merchant ship, scored their greatest prize: the *Ganj-i-Sawai*, a massive Mughal treasure ship carrying enormous wealth from India to the Middle East. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s fleet was among the most heavily guarded vessels, making the attack shocking and audacious.
The raid was ruthless. Every’s crew looted a fortune of gold, silver, and gems, making him one of the wealthiest pirates of his time. This event marked a turning point in his career, catapulting him from a relatively obscure pirate to a legendary figure feared across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
### The Manhunt and Disappearance
The Mughal emperor’s wrath was swift and relentless. The damage caused by Every’s raid angered powerful allies across Asia and the colonies. European governments, particularly the British, issued worldwide manhunts for Every, fearing the political fallout from such a high-profile piracy act.
Despite widespread efforts, Every managed to evade capture. He vanished from the historical record around 1696, leaving behind a trail of rumors and myths. Some believe he found refuge in the Ottoman Empire or North Africa, while others think he retired wealthy and hidden far from the reach of European authorities.
### The Myth and Legacy
Henry Every’s story took on a legendary quality that grew with time. Unlike many pirates who were eventually captured or killed, Every’s disappearance became a symbol of elusive freedom. His daring raid challenged the colonial powers and pirates' perception, showing that even the mightiest ships and fleets could be vulnerable.
His reputation remains a captivating subject for historians and enthusiasts. Some view him as a cunning rogue who challenged imperial authority, while others see him as an embodiment of the chaos and lawlessness of the pirates’ golden age. His story also serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions at play during the era of global maritime conflict.
### Conclusion
Henry Every’s life encapsulates the daring, mystery, and danger of the Golden Age of Piracy. His audacious attack on the Mughal treasure ship, his subsequent disappearance, and his enduring myth highlight the complex legacy of piracy—both as act of rebellion and as a catalyst for international conflict.
Today, Every remains one of history’s most intriguing pirates, symbolizing the allure of adventure and the perilous pursuit of freedom on the high seas. His story continues to inspire books, documentaries, and pirate lore, reminding us of a time when the ocean was a wild frontier ruled by those bold enough to defy the rules.