Henry Every, also known as John Avery, is a figure of notorious fame in the annals of pirate history. He is best known for his daring exploits and the immense wealth he amassed through piracy, particularly his most famous heist—the attack on the Great Mughal’s treasure ships off the west coast of India in 1695.

Every was born around 1653 in Cat Down, Plymouth, England. His early life is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but what is clear is that he rose to prominence in the late 17th century as a pirate operating in the Indian Ocean. His exploits were so audacious and successful that he became a legend in his own time, and his story has been a source of fascination for historians, novelists, and filmmakers alike.

The pinnacle of Every's infamy came in 1695 when he, as the captain of the ship "Fancy," led a group of pirates in an audacious attack on the ships of the Great Mughal, the Muslim emperor of India. The Mughals were known for their immense wealth, and the treasure ships were laden with gold, silver, jewels, and other precious cargo. Every's crew captured the ships and seized an estimated £600,000 in treasure, a staggering sum for the time, equivalent to billions of dollars today.

The attack was a significant event for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the largest acts of piracy in history, both in terms of the wealth stolen and the audacity of the act. Secondly, it was a direct affront to one of the most powerful empires of the time, showing a blatant disregard for the might of the Mughal rulers. Lastly, the success of the heist inspired many others to take up piracy, leading to a surge in piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Every's actions had far-reaching consequences. The Great Mughal was outraged by the attack and demanded that the English government bring Every and his crew to justice. This put immense pressure on the English government, which was already struggling with the rise of piracy and its impact on international relations. The English government offered a large reward for Every's capture, but he managed to evade capture and is believed to have died in Bideford, Devonshire, after 1696.

Henry Every's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, he is remembered as a ruthless pirate who committed acts of extreme violence and theft. On the other hand, he is also seen as a symbol of defiance against the established order, a Robin Hood-like figure who stole from the rich and powerful. His story has been romanticized in literature and popular culture, and he continues to be a subject of intrigue and debate.

In the realm of literature, Every has been immortalized as the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's fictional character in "Life, Adventures, and Pyracies, of the Famous Captain Singleton." This work of fiction further cemented Every's place in history and contributed to the mythos surrounding his persona.

In conclusion, Henry Every is famous for being one of Britain's most notorious pirates, known for his audacious attack on the Great Mughal's treasure ships and the immense wealth he acquired. His actions had significant historical and cultural impacts, influencing the perception of piracy and inspiring future generations of pirates and storytellers. His story is a testament to the allure of piracy as a form of rebellion and the enduring fascination with the high seas and the adventurers who sailed them.

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John Avery, original name Henry Every, also called Captain Bridgeman, or Long Ben, (born c. 1653, Cat Down, Plymouth, Eng.--died after 1696, Bideford, Devonshire), one of Britain's most renowned pirates of the late 17th century, and the model for Daniel Defoe's hero in Life, Adventures, and Pyracies, of the Famous ...read more >>