Captain William Kidd (c. 1645-1701) was a Scottish privateer turned pirate who, despite only ever capturing one significant prize ship, has become legendary thanks to the persistent rumour he buried a fantastic treasure that nobody has yet found. Kidd was arrested, sent to England, and hanged in Wapping Old Stairs in 1701.
More about: Captain KiddServer Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$3926 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
c. 1645 - 1701Life of the Scottish privateer turned pirate Captain Kidd.
-
1689Captain Kidd engages in privateering against French vessels in the Caribbean.
-
Feb 1690Captain Kidd's crew steal his ship the Blessed William in the Caribbean.
-
May 1691Captain Kidd settles in New York, marries and has two daughters.
-
1695In London, Captain Kidd gathers a consortium of anonymous backers to fund a privateering expedition in the Indian Ocean.
-
1697 - 1698Captain Kidd commits several acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
-
30 Oct 1697Captain Kidd kills one of his gunners, William Moore.
-
30 Jan 1698Captain Kidd attacks and captures the merchant ship Quedah Merchant off the coast of India near Cochin.
-
Jul 1699Captain Kidd is arrested for piracy in Boston.
-
Apr 1700Captain Kidd is sent from Boston to London for trial for piracy.
-
Mar 1701Captain Kidd is twice called to testify before Parliament regarding his privateering and piracy in the Indian Ocean.
-
23 May 1701The pirate Captain Kidd is hanged at Wapping Old Stairs, London and his body is left to rot in public veiw by the River Thames.
