Woodes Rogers
A privateer captain who sailed around the world and later, as Governor of the Bahamas, brought the Golden Age of Piracy to an end.
Life
Privateering around the world
Woodes Rogers came from a family of sea captains in Bristol, England. From 1708 to 1711 he led a privateering voyage around the world, capturing a Spanish treasure ship; along the way, on the Juan Fernández Islands, he rescued the sailor Alexander Selkirk, who had lived alone there for more than four years, a story that inspired Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.
Expelling the pirates
In 1718 he became Governor of the Bahamas and arrived in pirate-infested Nassau carrying the king's pardon. Many pirates accepted the pardon, while those who refused to surrender were hanged; he also repaired the fortifications and fended off Spanish attacks. The Bahamas' motto, "Expulsis piratis, restituta commercia" (Pirates expelled, commerce restored), dates from this period.
Indebted governor
Having poured his own money into running the colony, he fell deep into debt; he returned to England in 1721 and was briefly imprisoned. In 1729 he became governor again, and he died in Nassau in 1732.
Legacy
Rogers ended pirate rule in the Bahamas and is regarded as one of the founders of the Bahamas.
Major works & achievements
- A Cruising Voyage Round the World
Did you know? The motto Expulsis Piratis, Restituta Commercia on the Bahamian coat of arms remained in use until independence in 1973.
Key dates
- 1708Began a voyage around the world
- 1709Rescued Selkirk
- 1718Became Governor of the Bahamas
- 1721Returned to Japan
- 1729Governor-General again
- 1732Died in Nassau