Captain Kidd

Captain William Kidd was a 17th-century Scottish sailor who started as a privateer, legally authorized to attack enemy ships. However, he later turned to piracy, leading to his infamous reputation. His most notable act was capturing a ship called the Quedagh Merchant, which was laden with treasure. In 1701, Kidd was arrested, tried, and convicted of piracy, eventually being hanged in 1701. His life has fueled legendary tales about treasure and adventure, and he remains a symbol of the complex nature of piracy during the Golden Age of Piracy, oscillating between lawful privateering and outright criminality.