Was the “Pirate King” also the King’s Spy?
In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the hosts explore Henry Avery, a 17th-century pirate who orchestrated one of history's most profitable sea heists. From his early days in the Royal Navy to his transformation into the "Pirate King," Avery's story traces his rise to infamy, culminating in a massive raid on a Mughal merchant convoy that sparked an international diplomatic crisis.
The episode delves into the various theories about Avery's ultimate fate, including the possibility that he may have worked as a spy for the English government. This theory stems from the discovery of a coded letter and potential connections to Daniel Defoe, though the evidence remains disputed among historians. The hosts examine the available historical records and conflicting accounts of what became of this enigmatic figure after his famous heist.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 13, 2025 episode of the Conspiracy Theories
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Avery's Rise To "Pirate King"
Henry Avery, known as the "Pirate King," made history with the most lucrative sea heist of 1695. Born around 1659 in Southwest England, Avery's early life remains largely mysterious, with historians noting his use of various pseudonyms and spelling variations of his name.
After serving in the Royal Navy and participating in the slave trade, Avery became first mate aboard the Charles II, a Spanish expedition ship. When the crew grew discontented over delayed wages, Avery seized his opportunity. He led a successful mutiny in May 1694, renamed the ship "Fancy," and began his career in piracy with approximately 80 men.
Avery's Heist in Indian Ocean and Consequences
Avery set his sights on the wealthy ships traveling to and from Mecca. After establishing a base in Madagascar, he and his crew pursued a merchant convoy headed to Surat, India. They first captured the Fath Mahamadi, acquiring significant silver and gold, before setting their sights on the grand Mughal vessel, the Ganji Sawai'i. After a three-hour battle, they seized treasure worth an estimated 20-60 million in today's dollars.
The heist created an international crisis. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, was outraged not only by the financial loss but by alleged assaults on the ship's women. King William III had to issue a bounty for Avery's capture, while the East India Company scrambled to maintain their trading relationship with the Mughal Empire through diplomatic efforts and compensation offers.
Avery's Fate and Possible Role as a Spy
The ultimate fate of Henry Avery remains contested among historians. Some believe he died penniless in England, while others suggest he found refuge in Madagascar. An intriguing theory proposed by authors Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan suggests that Avery might have become a spy for the English government. This theory is based on a coded letter discovered by historian Zalid Cowan in 1978, allegedly written by "Avery the Pirate," and potential connections to Daniel Defoe, a known government agent. However, critics argue that the evidence for Avery's role as a spy remains inconclusive.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your own family history to uncover potential mysteries or interesting ancestors by starting a genealogy project using online databases and local archives. This can give you a sense of connection to the past and might reveal stories similar to Avery's obscured early life. For example, you might find variations in your ancestors' names or discover relatives who traveled extensively, hinting at untold adventures.
- Create a themed treasure hunt for friends or family that incorporates historical facts and encourages participants to solve puzzles related to maritime history. This can be a fun way to engage with the adventurous aspects of Avery's life without the piracy. You could use replicas of old maps, create riddles based on sea voyages, and hide "treasure" in locations that are significant to your local history.
- Write a short story or piece of historical fiction inspired by the life of Henry Avery, focusing on the speculative aspects of his fate. This allows you to exercise creativity while engaging with history. You could imagine different endings for Avery, perhaps placing him in various parts of the world or exploring the idea of him as a spy, and share your story with friends or a local writing group.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Avery's Rise To "Pirate King"
Henry Avery, remembered as the "Pirate King," made history when he led a fleet to execute the most lucrative sea heist in 1695, capturing the public's fascination and leaving a mark on pirate lore.
Henry Avery: 17th Century Pirate and Notorious Figure
Avery's pirate legacy is entrenched in history, though much of his early life remains a mystery.
Avery's Early Life and Career Remain Mysterious, With Historians Uncertain About His Background
Details about Henry Avery's origins are murky, with varying accounts and possible embellishments clouding the truth. He is thought to have been born around 1659 in Southwest England, and by the 1670s, he served in the Royal Navy. Before his infamy, Avery engaged in the slave trade, but it was his role in a Spanish expedition that markedly changed his life’s course.
Historians are unsure of Avery's surname spellings as different documents use an "A" or an "E," and he was known to use pseudonyms such as John Avery, Benjamin Bridgman, and Long Ben, further complicating efforts to trace his history.
Avery Became the First Mate on a Spanish Expedition Ship, Backed by Wealthy Investors to Trade Guns In the West Indies
Avery took part in a Spanish expedition as the first mate aboard the Charles II, the fleet's fastest ship, which was financed by wealthy investors, including James Hublin, to trade guns in the West Indies. Despite the promise of good wages and an advance, discontent brewed among the crew due to a prolonged wait at the Spanish port city of Ocaruña, where they encountered delays and unpaid wages.
Avery Led a Mutiny, Seized the Ship, and Launched His Pirate Career By Renaming It the "Fancy."
Avery capitalized on the crew' ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Avery's Rise To "Pirate King"
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your local history by visiting a nearby historical society or museum to uncover lesser-known stories from your area's past. By doing this, you might find intriguing tales similar to Avery's early life that are not widely known, which can give you a sense of connection to your community's history and possibly inspire creative projects or further research.
- Create a short story or piece of creative writing inspired by the themes of Avery's life, such as the unpredictability of fate or the allure of adventure. This exercise can help you tap into your creative side and explore complex characters and narratives, much like Avery's transformation from a navy man to a pirate.
- Engage in a role-playing game w ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Avery's Heist in Indian Ocean and Consequences
The Indian Ocean heist orchestrated by Henry Avery brings chaos to the international stage, challenging the relationships between global powers and pirates.
Avery Set Sail For the Indian Ocean to Prey On Ships Transporting Riches to Mecca
Henry Avery's target was on the immense wealth being transported to and from Mecca. Rather than continuing to the Caribbean, Avery sets his sights on the Indian Ocean, specifically on ships carrying wealth on behalf of the Mughal Empire for the pilgrimage.
Avery and his crew take a breather in Madagascar, readying the Fancy to become a formidable adversary for ships in the Indian Ocean. With an increased crew, they set their course for the Red Sea, aiming to intercept pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
Initially, their target slips past them, but Avery is adamant. Instructing slower ships to be abandoned, the Fancy quickly pursues a merchant convoy headed to Surat, India. They manage to overtake a merchant ship, the Fath Mahamadi, looting it for silver and gold of significant value.
Mughal Ship Attack Sparks Crisis as East India Company and English Government Scramble to Appease Aurangzeb and Recover Treasure
The Ganji Sawai'i, a grand vessel serving the Mughal elite, becomes the pirates' prey. Despite technical issues on the Ganji Sawai'i and a heated three-hour battle, Avery’s crew boards the ship, making away with a treasure worth an estimated 20 to 60 million US dollars today.
This incident propels the English monarchy and the East India Company into diplomacy and damage control, as it appears they condone piracy. Aurangzeb is not only furious about the financial loss but more over the alleged assault on women aboard the ship.
King William III must issue a proclamation and a bounty for Avery’s capture, while the East India Company tries to make amends, offering full compensation for losses to maintain their trading relationship.
Avery's Heist Strains Mughal-English Relations, Threate ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Avery's Heist in Indian Ocean and Consequences
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore historical maritime routes using online maps to understand the strategic locations pirates like Avery might have chosen. By examining the geography of the Indian Ocean and identifying key ports and trade routes, you can gain a better understanding of why certain areas were hotspots for piracy. For example, use Google Earth to trace the path from Madagascar to Mecca and look for natural choke points where ships might be vulnerable.
- Create a simple budget game based on the economic impact of piracy to grasp the financial stakes involved. Assign roles like the English monarchy, the East India Company, and Mughal rulers, and simulate a scenario where you must negotiate trade terms and deal with the fallout of a piracy incident. This can be done with friends or family using play money and basic negotiation principles to see who ends up with the best outcome.
- Write a short story or create a comic strip inspired by the events surr ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Avery's Fate and Possible Role as a Spy
The fate of the infamous pirate Henry Avery, who disappeared after a lucrative heist, continues to baffle historians and enthusiasts alike. Several competing theories propose what could have happened to Avery—one such captivates the imagination with its suggestion that Avery might have turned into a spy for the English government.
Avery's Fate Remains Mysterious, With Competing Theories About the Notorious Pirate's End
Avery’s final days are shrouded in mystery with contrasting theories present about his ultimate destiny. Some believe he died penniless in England, others speculate he found refuge in Madagascar, and there is intriguing conjecture about his potential role as an English government spy. His last confirmed sighting reported by John Dan, a pirate colleague, was from a journey from the Bahamas to Ireland. Thereafter, Avery’s whereabouts are a matter of speculation. The hopeful theory contends that Avery lived out his days in Madagascar, which has an air of romance to it.
Avery Reportedly Died Poor In England, Found Refuge In Madagascar, or Became an English Government Spy
Authors Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan suggest that after Avery’s piracy acts, the monarchy may have put him on the payroll, suggesting a covert role. Avery’s abrupt disappearance following the laundering of his jewels in England, the possibility of being double-crossed, or a quiet life in Madagascar fuels the mystery of his fate.
Theories on Avery as a Royal Spy Are Based On a Coded Letter Allegedly by the Pirate and His Connection to Daniel Defoe, a Government Spy
In 1978, historian Zalid Cowan uncovered a coded letter, allegedly from "Avery the Pirate," which sparked additional theories. Addressed to a reverend in London, parts of the letter were encrypted, utilizing a pseudonym and insinuating that Avery might still be alive and incognito. Suggesting the correspondence be sent to Falmouth—a strategic locale for a spy—the letter spawned conjecture th ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Avery's Fate and Possible Role as a Spy
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The theory of Avery dying poor in England could be challenged by the lack of concrete evidence such as a grave, death record, or eyewitness accounts confirming his death in poverty.
- The romantic notion of Avery finding refuge in Madagascar may be countered by the argument that such a notorious figure would have likely been recognized and documented by locals or other Europeans.
- The idea of Avery being on the monarchy's payroll lacks direct historical evidence linking him to any known espionage activities or government operations.
- The authenticity of the coded letter discovered by Zalid Cowan could be questioned, as it may be a forgery or not actually written by Avery.
- The suggestion that Avery might still be alive and incognito based on the letter could be countered by the argument that it is unlikely for someone of his notoriety to evade capture or recognition for an extended period.
- The connection made between Avery and Daniel De ...
Actionables
- You can explore historical mysteries by creating a themed book club that focuses on unsolved historical events and figures. Gather a group of friends or join an online community interested in history and select books that delve into historical mysteries like Avery's. Each member could present their own research or theories in each meeting, fostering a collaborative investigation and learning experience.
- Develop your problem-solving skills by organizing a treasure hunt with encrypted clues based on historical figures like Avery. Use simple ciphers to create a series of clues that lead participants around your local area or even within your home. This activity can enhance your ability to decipher codes and think critically, similar to how historians analyze historical documents.
- Enhance your creative writing by penning a short ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
