Bartholomew Sharp

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Bartholomew Sharp (born c.1650 - 1690?) an English buccaneer whose pirate career last only three years (1679-82). His flagship was the Trinidad.

Sharp's career as a pirate captain began when the buccaneers, with whom he was sailing round South America, needed a new commander. He quickly proved himself a natural leader and a capable seaman. These qualities did not prevent being deposed as captain in January 1681, however, after storms and setbacks provoked a mutiny. His successor was killed three weeks later and Sharp resumed command. Under him the buccaneers continued around South America and up to the Caribbean, taking 25 Spanish ships and plundering numerous Spanish towns.

[edit] A Royal Pardon

Because England and Spain were not at war the Spaniards demanded Sharp's prosecution for piracy. Sharp, however, presented the authorities with a book of maps taken from the Spanish ship El Santo Rosario in July 1681; their value to English seafarers was such that Sharp received a full pardon from Charles II.