Charming Facts About Stede Bonnet, The Gentleman Pirate
The story of Stede Bonnet is an odd one. Born into luxury, it seemed as if his life would have taken the course of an ordinary gentleman—but it became nothing of the sort.
He shocked everyone with his strange decision to give up his privileged life and seek adventure on the high seas. Read on to discover the singular tale of Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate.
1. He Was Born Into Luxury
Stede Bonnet came into the world in 1688. He was born into an immensely wealthy family of colonists in Barbados, who owned at least 400 acres of land. If that wasn't enough, his father, Edward Bonnet, also presided over a large sugar plantation.
Life should have been relatively easy for a member of the Barbados elite—but misfortune arrived at the doorstep of the Bonnet family somewhat unexpectedly.
2. He Experienced Tragedy At A Young Age
In 1694, when Stede should have been experiencing the simple joys of childhood, tragedy tore his world apart. Both of his parents passed on at a young age, abruptly turning him into an orphan. On top of it all, he had two sisters who were now also orphans—but what about his family fortune?
3. He Inherited A Massive Fortune
Fortune may have deprived young Stede of his family—but it did hand him riches beyond many of our wildest dreams. As soon as he was old enough, he inherited the sugar plantation that his parents had left behind.
With his money, he chose to attend university, and acquired all the trappings of a young gentleman…but something was missing.
4. A Rich Girl Intrigued Him
They often say that opposites attract, although some likeness usually helps. Sometime around 1709, Stede, now in his early 20s, met Mary Allamby, who was around two years his junior. She stemmed from the same ilk as Stede.
Her father, just like Stede's, owned a plantation. The two must have clicked, because that same year, they decided to take their relationship even further.
