The Pirate History Podcast

In April 1687 everyone in our story arrives at Drake's Isle. The French freebooters, the English corsairs, and a Spanish Naval Squadron sent to destroy them all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The French privateers in Nicaragua found themselves at the mercy of - and at peace with - the Spanish army outside Leon. They were given orders, from the peace signed by Louis XIV, to attack the enemies of Catholicism. Which they did. Sort of. But starvation, poverty, and a thirst for vengeance led them back to Spanish shores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Buccaneers in the pacific were at an impasse. The coast of Nicaragua was preparing an army against them, and they had to get back to sea as quickly as possible. However, what to do once they were back on the water? Today we look at that decision, all while discussing the conquistadors, Medieval manufacturing practices, linguistics, and some disgusting medical details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1685 would be a reliable date for the end of the Buccaneer era of the Golden Age of Piracy. For the English pirates in the Pacific, they were fighting the last real buccaneer fight of their careers. However, buccaneering was, traditionally, a French occupation. The English were part timers. After 1685 most of them that chose to continue the trade would do so full time. Only now they wouldn't be privateers or Buccaneers, but outright pirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1685 saw the last great, and ultimately failed, piratical raid of the buccaneer era. A multinational armada of pirates sailed for Panama bay to capture the Spanish Treasure Fleet and were defeated. The aftermath saw the fleet disperse along national allegiances. Today we look at the national loyalties that drove this division and how they were beginning to crumble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our small fleet of English pirates was at an impasse, when several pieces of good fortune fell into their laps. First, a treasure trove of letters carrying news of a prize worthy of a king, and then the men needed to capture it. We introduce them and tell their stories, and then follow the pirates to battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it that drives people to piracy? Is it a lust for gold? A need to support themselves, and perhaps build a life? Or is there something more? Something that drives them to seek out notoriety and infamy? A desire to be remembered? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would it be like to spend three years in complete solitude, fighting for survival? Would it be better or worse if your only human contact came from other people trying to kill you? Today we discuss one man in that situation, and his rescue. Then we follow the pirates from the South Pacific to the Galapagos and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1682, in the aftermath of the English Pacific Adventure, three crews prepared their ships for a new voyage to the Pacific. Charles Swan, John Eaton and Basil Ringrose arrived first, but they would soon be followed by John Cooke, Edward Davis, Lionel Wafer, & William Dampier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We weave between the lines of truth and fiction. We explore ideas about prejudice, historiography, and social norms. Today we tell the story of the final days of Laurens de Graaf and Anne Dieu-le-Veut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices