William Kidd

Date of Birth: January 22, 1654

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 23, 1701

Biography

Captain William Kidd, often known simply as William Kidd or Captain Kidd, was a Scottish sea captain who became one of the most famous privateers and pirates of the late 17th century. Born in Dundee, Scotland, Kidd began his career as a privateer, a private sailor authorized by a government to attack foreign ships. In 1695, he was commissioned by the British government to hunt down pirates in the Indian Ocean, but his mission took an unexpected turn. Accused of turning pirate himself, Kidd was ultimately captured and brought back to England to stand trial. Despite his defense that he was acting within the bounds of his commission, Kidd was convicted of piracy and murder and was hanged in 1701. His story has since become a legendary part of pirate folklore, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

5 Interesting Facts about William Kidd

1. William Kidd started his maritime career as a legitimate privateer, fighting for the British crown.

2. He was commissioned by the Earl of Bellomont to capture pirates and French ships in the Indian Ocean.

3. Kidd’s ship, the Adventure Galley, was particularly well-armed, carrying 34 cannons.

4. His trial was one of the most famous of the era and was highly publicized.

5. Kidd’s treasure is rumored to be buried in various locations, sparking treasure hunts that continue to this day.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Kidd

1. “My lord, it is a very hard sentence. For my part, I am the innocentest person of them all, only I have been sworn against by perjured persons.”

2. “I am not a pirate, but a privateer.”

3. “I have no other request to make, than that I may be fairly heard.”

4. “I would rather have my body rot in the sea, than in a foreign jail.”

5. “I am the innocentest of them all.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Captain William Kidd’s highest net worth is difficult to estimate due to the nature of his activities, but his plundered wealth was said to be worth around £14,000 at the time, equivalent to millions of dollars today.

Children

William Kidd had two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah Kidd. Elizabeth was born in 1691 and Sarah in 1693. After Kidd’s execution, his wife and daughters faced significant social and financial challenges.