Stede Bonnet: Difference between revisions
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{{Era|Individuals}} | {{Era|Individuals}}{{WP-REAL}} | ||
{{WP-REAL}} | {{Update|''[[Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal|Blackbeard – The Lost Journal]]''}} | ||
{{Quote|Ah, there's a tug of the wind at my hair! I find a bracing comfort in the feel and smell of the ocean. The raw stink of... of possibility!|Stede Bonnet to Edward Kenway, on their voyage to Havana, 1715.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}} | {{Quote|Ah, there's a tug of the wind at my hair! I find a bracing comfort in the feel and smell of the ocean. The raw stink of... of possibility!|Stede Bonnet to Edward Kenway, on their voyage to Havana, 1715.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag|Edward Kenway (memory)}} | ||
{{Character Infobox | {{Character Infobox | ||
| image = AC4 Stede Bonnet render.png | |name=Stede Bonnet | ||
| birth = c. 1688<br>[[Bridgetown]], [[Barbados]] | |image=AC4 Stede Bonnet render.png | ||
| death = 10 December 1718<br>[[Charleston]], [[South Carolina]], {{Wiki|British America}} | |birth=c. 1688<br>[[Bridgetown]], [[Barbados]] | ||
| affiliates = [[ | |death=10 December 1718 {{c|aged c. 30}}<br>[[Charleston|Charles Town]], [[South Carolina]], {{Wiki|British America}} | ||
|species=[[Human]] | |||
|database=[[Database: Stede Bonnet|Stede Bonnet]]<br>[[Database: The Aristocratic Pirate|The Aristocratic Pirate]] | |||
|affiliates=[[Republic of Pirates|Pirate Republic]]<br>''[[Queen Anne's Revenge]]'' crew<br>''[[Revenge]]'' crew | |||
'''Stede Bonnet''' (1688 – 1718) was | }} | ||
'''Stede Bonnet''' (1688 – 1718) was a [[Barbados|Barbadian]] [[Piracy|pirate]] of [[England|English]] descent who sailed the Eastern Seaboard of the [[United States|Thirteen Colonies]] with his crew. Despite his infamy, he was often nicknamed "The Gentleman Pirate", due in part to the fact that he was a moderately wealthy landowner prior to turning to piracy, owning a profitable [[sugar]] [[plantation]] in Barbados. | |||
Despite his contrasting upbringing, Stede became a likeable associate of several well-known pirates based in the [[Caribbean]], including [[Edward Kenway]], [[Edward Thatch]], [[Benjamin Hornigold]], and [[Mary Read]]. | Despite his contrasting upbringing, Stede became a likeable associate of several well-known pirates based in the [[Caribbean]] during the early 18th century, including [[Edward Kenway]], [[Edward Thatch]], [[Benjamin Hornigold]], and [[Mary Read]]. | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early life=== | ===Early life=== | ||
Stede Bonnet was born around 1688 in [[Bridgetown]], Barbados to a successful and influential plantation owner. When Stede was only seven years old, his parents | Stede Bonnet was born around 1688 in [[Bridgetown]], [[Barbados]], to a successful and influential [[plantation]] owner. When Stede was only seven years old, his parents passed away, leaving him orphaned and depressed.<ref name="Database">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' – [[Database: Stede Bonnet]]</ref> | ||
As a result | As a result of his parents' death, Stede inherited 400 acres of land from his father. By the time he was in his late teens, Stede had already returned his sugar plantation to a profitable state. Marrying young, Stede set about starting a family as soon as possible, but never found his domestic life comfortable or satisfying.<ref name="Database" /> | ||
Before 1715, Stede's firstborn son died in infancy (supposedly stillborn or the result of an accident, disease or SIDS), further complicating his unease. As a means of coping with his grief and restlessness, he dreamed of sailing around the world, and living free of obligations.<ref name="Database" /> | |||
===Time in Havana=== | ===Time in Havana=== | ||
{{Quote|It's mad to think Spain and England were at war two years ago, isn't it? Here I am, bartering with Spaniards like they were my cousins.|Stede upon arriving in Havana.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}In 1715, Stede's [[schooner]], the ''[[Revenge]]'', was waylaid by a [[Royal Navy]] warship off the coast of [[Cape Bonavista]], [[Cuba]]. The | {{Quote|It's mad to think Spain and England were at war two years ago, isn't it? Here I am, bartering with Spaniards like they were my cousins.|Stede upon arriving in Havana, 1715.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag|Lively Havana}} | ||
[[File:Edward Kenway Memory 24.png|thumb|250px|left|Stede thanking Edward for saving his life]] | |||
In June 1715, Stede's [[schooner]], the ''[[Revenge]]'', was waylaid by a [[Royal Navy]] warship off the coast of [[Cape Bonavista]], [[Cuba]]. The British suspected him of being involved in a nearby battle between the pirate ship ''[[Jacobite]]'' and a passing Navy frigate, the [[HMS Intrigue|HMS ''Intrigue'']], which had resulted in both vessels' destruction. Despite Bonnet denying any involvement in the battle, the British refused to accept his explanation and intended to commandeer his ship and maroon him.<ref name="Edward Kenway">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Edward Kenway (memory)|Edward Kenway]]</ref> | |||
Stede was saved by the timely intervention of [[Edward Kenway]], a pirate who had been involved in the engagement and shortly beforehand had assumed the identity of [[Duncan Walpole]], an [[Assassins|Assassin]] whom Edward had been forced to kill. Having saved Stede's life, the pirate offered to pilot the ''Revenge'' to [[Havana]], where both of them had business.<ref name="Edward Kenway" /> On arriving at their destination, Stede and Edward headed into the city, eventually ending up in a [[Taverns|tavern]].<ref name="Lively Havana">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Lively Havana]]</ref> | |||
There, Edward was recognized by a [[ | There, Edward was recognized by a [[privateer]], who knew of Edward being a pirate, and of his ties to those in [[Nassau]]. The two engaged in a fight after Edward's attempt to silence him, drawing the attention of some nearby [[soldier]]s from the [[Spanish Empire]]'s [[Spanish Army|army]]. Stede was mistaken for Edward's accomplice and severely beaten by the troops, having his sugar confiscated in the process.<ref name="Lively Havana" /> | ||
Once | Once Edward had returned from avoiding the soldiers, he found a battered Bonnet by the docks, who told him that the soldiers had confiscated Edward's possessions, as well as the sugar. Edward then agreed to retrieve Bonnet's cargo at the same time as his own effects, but could not fulfill on his promise. Fortunately, Stede was still able to make a profit with his remaining inventory, and Edward then confessed his real first name to Bonnet.<ref name="My Sugar">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[...And My Sugar?]]</ref> | ||
Later | [[File:A Man They Call The Sage 1.png|thumb|250px|Stede calling out to Edward]] | ||
Later, Bonnet spotted Edward with the [[Templars]] he had recently joined and excitedly called him by his real name, nearly blowing his cover, to which Edward was quickly able to talk his way out of trouble.<ref name="Man Called the Sage">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[A Man They Call the Sage]]</ref> The pirate met with Bonnet not long after and complained about the small pay he received from Governor [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala]] for the items he had brought. Stede, on the other hand, tried to inform Edward of his great sales from the day, but was ignored.<ref name="What's Due">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Claiming What's Due]]</ref> | |||
This was the last time Edward and Stede saw each other for the next three years, as later that night, Edward decided to break into Torres' [[Governor's Mansion, Havana|mansion]] and free [[Bartholomew Roberts]] in the hopes of interrogating him for the location of the fabled [[Observatory (Isu)|Observatory]].<ref name="What's Due" /> This resulted in Edward's capture and imprisonment aboard the [[Spanish Treasure Fleet]], whereupon he escaped, commandeered a ship he renamed the ''[[Jackdaw]]'', and rejoined his fellow pirates in Nassau.<ref name="The Treasure Fleet">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[The Treasure Fleet]]</ref> | |||
===Introduction to piracy=== | ===Introduction to piracy=== | ||
Around his twenty-ninth birthday, Bonnet grew restless with "the tedium of domesticity", which may have been exacerbated by the death of his son. This prompted him to take up a life of piracy, | {{Quote|I have been told your flag. To be aided by the famous pyrate Captain Edward Thatch—it must be fate. Stede Bonnet at your service, good sirrah.|Stede introducing himself to Edward Thatch, 1717.|Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal}} | ||
Around his twenty-ninth birthday, Bonnet grew restless with "the tedium of domesticity", which may have been exacerbated by the death of his son. This prompted him to take up a life of piracy.<ref name="Database" /> Despite knowing absolutely nothing about ships or seafaring, he ordered a fine vessel to be built, and then set out to find a pirate crew.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' – [[Database: The Aristocratic Pirate]]</ref> To maintain a part of his life of comfort, he installed a full library in the captain's quarters of his ship, and dressed in fine pajamas, smoking jackets, and frocks. Near the end of 1717, Stede bid his wife and children farewell, sailing north from Barbados, never to see them again.<ref name="Database" /> | |||
Sailing under the moniker "Captain Edwards", Stede was eager to take his first prize. His crew foolishly chose a Spanish Man O' War as their first target, and nearly half of his crew was killed or injured during the battle. Bonnet survived, and set sail for Nassau, meeting and befriending fellow pirate | Sailing under the moniker "Captain Edwards", Stede was eager to take his first prize. His crew foolishly chose a Spanish [[Man O' War]] as their first target, and nearly half of his crew was killed or injured during the battle. Bonnet survived, and set sail for Nassau, meeting and befriending fellow pirate [[Edward Thatch]]. Thatch convinced Stede to hand over the ''Revenge'', leaving Bonnet happily confined to his cabin.<ref name="Database" /> | ||
[[File:Diving For Medicines 2.png|thumb|250px|left|Stede reuniting with Edward]] | [[File:Diving For Medicines 2.png|thumb|250px|left|Stede reuniting with Edward]] | ||
Two months later, Thatch captured a | Two months later, Thatch captured a French slave ship called ''La Concorde'', renaming it the ''[[Queen Anne's Revenge]]''.<ref>''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Database: Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch]]</ref> Thatch continued to mentor Stede for a time on board the ''Queen Anne's Revenge'', where Bonnet was reunited with his old friend Edward Kenway while searching for medicines for Nassau among the [[shipwreck]]s of the Spanish Treasure Fleet. There, he became an unfortunate victim of Thatch's fear tactics, which frightened him speechless.<ref name="Diving for Medicines">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Diving for Medicines]]</ref> | ||
Later on, Thatch and his crew engaged a British | Later on, Thatch and his crew engaged a British Man O' War, and were eventually assisted by Edward. After the battle, Thatch allowed Bonnet to leave his service, returning him the ''Revenge''.<ref name="Devil's Advocate">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[Devil's Advocate]]</ref> Meeting Edward for the final time, Bonnet joyfully bade the pirate farewell, thanking him for their friendship, which he claimed was "more precious than any treasure".<ref name="Siege of Charles-Towne">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[The Siege of Charles-Towne]]</ref> | ||
Feeling that he had received adequate tutelage under Thatch, Bonnet | ===Death=== | ||
{{Quote|Blubbering and bawling, he collapsed at the gallows. Weeping like a little lamb.|A British soldier describing Stede's final moments, 1721.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag|To Suffer Without Dying}} | |||
Feeling that he had received adequate tutelage under Thatch, Bonnet hoped to return to the Caribbean and receive a letter of marque from the Danish governor of {{Wiki|Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|St. Thomas}} to go privateering against Spanish ships. However, hurricane season left the ''Revenge'' trapped in the Northern Colonies, and as his crew grew restless, he was compelled to return to piracy despite decreased tolerance for pirates in the region.<ref name="Database" /> | |||
During the {{Wiki|Battle of Cape Fear River (1718)|Battle of Cape Fear River}}, Bonnet's crew engaged Royal Marines led by Colonel {{Wiki|William Rhett}}, and was captured. Though he attempted escape, he was recaptured by Colonel Rhett and was hanged for piracy. Eyewitnesses reported being moved to tears by his remorse in the last moments before the execution. | During the {{Wiki|Battle of Cape Fear River (1718)|Battle of Cape Fear River}}, Bonnet's crew engaged Royal Marines led by Colonel {{Wiki|William Rhett}}, and was captured. Though he attempted to escape, he was recaptured by Colonel Rhett and was hanged for piracy in [[Charleston|Charles Town]] on 10 December 1718. Eyewitnesses reported being moved to tears by his remorse in the last moments before the execution.<ref name="Database" /> | ||
== | ===Legacy=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:The End 7.png|thumb|250px|Edward reminiscing Stede and other pirates]] | ||
In 1721, Edward Kenway learned about Stede's unfortunate fate while imprisoned in [[Port Royal]], [[Jamaica]], after overhearing a conversation between two British soldiers mocking the late "Gentleman Pirate".<ref name="To Suffer Without Dying">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[To Suffer Without Dying]]</ref> One year later, prior to leaving the Caribbean and returning to [[England]], Edward fondly recalled all of his deceased friends, envisioning them sitting around a table in [[Great Inagua]] and enjoying a drink together; Bonnet was among those who appeared in this vision.<ref name="The End">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' – [[The End]]</ref> | |||
At some point prior to his death, Stede left behind clues to lead Edward to his hidden stash on [[Mystery Island]]. Exploring the island, Edward discovered Bonnet's buried treasure and claimed it for himself, acquiring an attire similar to Stede's own, as well as the sails and figurehead of the ''Revenge''.<ref name="AC4">''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag''</ref> | |||
== | In 1725, while inside a simulation of his past created by the [[Forgotten Temple (Isu)|Forgotten Temple]], Edward was confronted by apparitions of several of his fallen comrades, including Bonnet. Edward's old companions were all recreated as mindless ghouls to torment him, but despite his disgust and anger, the [[Assassins|Assassin]] prevailed and vanquished the apparitions.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 137|Episode 137]]</ref> | ||
==Personality and traits== | |||
{{Quote|Edward... your constant friendship has been my most treasured find on these seas. Well above gold and silver and rum, I... I prize the courage you have inspired in me this year. Thank you, Sir! A fair good morrow to you!|Stede Bonnet's final words to Edward Kenway, 1718.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag|The Siege of Charles-Towne}} | |||
Stede Bonnet was a jolly and gracious man, shown especially by his great respect for Edward Kenway, who saved his life, and his ability to see a silver lining to any situation. However, this came paired with naivety, as Bonnet clearly did not understand the potential dangers he could have faced while traveling with Edward, nor the consequences of piracy, passing it off for grand adventure.<ref name="AC4" /> | |||
[[File:Lively Havana 9.png|thumb|250px|left|Stede waving at Havana's citizens]] | |||
While sailing under Edward Thatch, Bonnet showed more courage, being toughened up by living among pirates. Of course, when Thatch was demonstrating to Edward what it meant to instill fear in men, Bonnet still cowered weakly when Thatch used him as an example. Despite this, Stede left Thatch's crew in good spirits, even commenting to Kenway the great impact that the man had on his self-esteem and confidence, as his last words to Edward involved Bonnet thanking him for his help.<ref name="AC4" /> | |||
==Behind the scenes== | |||
Stede Bonnet is a historical figure and character introduced in the 2013 video game ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'', where he was voiced by [[James Bachman]]. | |||
Bonnet was believed to be one of those few pirates who forced their prisoners to "{{Wiki|Walking the plank|walk the plank}}", which became a common stereotype associated with pirates. No historical evidence supports this, however, nor do Edward Kenway or any of his friends mention Bonnet committing such an act in ''Black Flag''. | |||
Additionally, the historical Bonnet was actually cheated by Edward Thatch, who took his fleet and most of his treasures and left him only with the ''Revenge'' as his ship. This incident is not mentioned in ''Black Flag'', its [[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag|novelization]], or Thatch's [[Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal|in-universe journal]] "written" by his ship scribe [[Charles Johnson]], though the latter case could plausibly be Thatch choosing to omit such information. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center | <gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180"> | ||
Concept Art - Stede Bonnet.jpg|Concept art of Stede Bonnet | Concept Art - Stede Bonnet.jpg|Concept art of Stede Bonnet | ||
Stede Bonnet Flag.png|Stede Bonnet's pirate flag | |||
ACIBonnet.jpg|''[[Assassin's Creed: | ACIBonnet.jpg|''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' art of Stede | ||
Blackbeard's-Journal-sketch-of-Stede-Bonnet.jpg| | Blackbeard's-Journal-sketch-of-Stede-Bonnet.jpg|A sketch of Stede in Edward Thatch's [[Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal|journal]] | ||
Edward Kenway Memory 25.png|Edward and Stede aboard the ''Revenge'' | Edward Kenway Memory 25.png|Edward and Stede aboard the ''Revenge'' | ||
Lively Havana 1.png|Edward and Stede arriving in Havana | Lively Havana 1.png|Edward and Stede arriving in Havana | ||
And My Sugar 1.png| | And My Sugar 1.png|An injured Stede at Havana's port | ||
Claiming What's Due 2.png|Edward telling Stede about the Observatory | Claiming What's Due 2.png|Edward telling Stede about the Observatory | ||
Diving For Medicines 8.png|Edward showing the spoiled medicine to Thatch and | Diving For Medicines 8.png|Edward showing the spoiled medicine to Thatch and Stede | ||
The Siege of Charles-Towne 12.png|Edward | Diving For Medicines 10.png|Thatch demonstrating his theatrics on a terrified Stede | ||
The Siege of Charles-Towne 12.png|Edward and Stede's last meeting | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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*''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag]]'' | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag]]'' | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mdat}} | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Pirates]]'' {{Mo}} | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal]]'' | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' {{c|apparition only}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
{{AC4}} | {{AC4}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bonnet, Stede}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Bonnet, Stede}} | ||
[[Category:1688 births]] | [[Category:1688 births]] | ||
[[Category:1718 deaths]] | [[Category:1718 deaths]] | ||
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[[Category:Planters]] | [[Category:Planters]] | ||
[[Category:Merchants]] | [[Category:Merchants]] | ||
[[Category:Pirates]] | [[Category:Pirates]] | ||
[[Category:Pirate captains]] | |||
[[Category:Queen Anne's Revenge crew]] | |||
[[Category:Flying Gang members]] | |||
<!--[de:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[es:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[fr:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[hu:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[it:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[nl:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[pl:Stede Bonnet] | |||
[ru:Стид Боннет] | |||
[zh:施蒂德·邦尼特]--> | |||
Latest revision as of 00:59, 25 May 2026
|
Patience, brothers. Soon we will reveal the secrets of Blackbeard – The Lost Journal. This article has been identified as being out of date. Please update the article to reflect recent releases and then remove this template once done. |
Stede Bonnet (1688 – 1718) was a Barbadian pirate of English descent who sailed the Eastern Seaboard of the Thirteen Colonies with his crew. Despite his infamy, he was often nicknamed "The Gentleman Pirate", due in part to the fact that he was a moderately wealthy landowner prior to turning to piracy, owning a profitable sugar plantation in Barbados.
Despite his contrasting upbringing, Stede became a likeable associate of several well-known pirates based in the Caribbean during the early 18th century, including Edward Kenway, Edward Thatch, Benjamin Hornigold, and Mary Read.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Early life[edit | edit source]
Stede Bonnet was born around 1688 in Bridgetown, Barbados, to a successful and influential plantation owner. When Stede was only seven years old, his parents passed away, leaving him orphaned and depressed.[1]
As a result of his parents' death, Stede inherited 400 acres of land from his father. By the time he was in his late teens, Stede had already returned his sugar plantation to a profitable state. Marrying young, Stede set about starting a family as soon as possible, but never found his domestic life comfortable or satisfying.[1]
Before 1715, Stede's firstborn son died in infancy (supposedly stillborn or the result of an accident, disease or SIDS), further complicating his unease. As a means of coping with his grief and restlessness, he dreamed of sailing around the world, and living free of obligations.[1]
Time in Havana[edit | edit source]
In June 1715, Stede's schooner, the Revenge, was waylaid by a Royal Navy warship off the coast of Cape Bonavista, Cuba. The British suspected him of being involved in a nearby battle between the pirate ship Jacobite and a passing Navy frigate, the HMS Intrigue, which had resulted in both vessels' destruction. Despite Bonnet denying any involvement in the battle, the British refused to accept his explanation and intended to commandeer his ship and maroon him.[2]
Stede was saved by the timely intervention of Edward Kenway, a pirate who had been involved in the engagement and shortly beforehand had assumed the identity of Duncan Walpole, an Assassin whom Edward had been forced to kill. Having saved Stede's life, the pirate offered to pilot the Revenge to Havana, where both of them had business.[2] On arriving at their destination, Stede and Edward headed into the city, eventually ending up in a tavern.[3]
There, Edward was recognized by a privateer, who knew of Edward being a pirate, and of his ties to those in Nassau. The two engaged in a fight after Edward's attempt to silence him, drawing the attention of some nearby soldiers from the Spanish Empire's army. Stede was mistaken for Edward's accomplice and severely beaten by the troops, having his sugar confiscated in the process.[3]
Once Edward had returned from avoiding the soldiers, he found a battered Bonnet by the docks, who told him that the soldiers had confiscated Edward's possessions, as well as the sugar. Edward then agreed to retrieve Bonnet's cargo at the same time as his own effects, but could not fulfill on his promise. Fortunately, Stede was still able to make a profit with his remaining inventory, and Edward then confessed his real first name to Bonnet.[4]
Later, Bonnet spotted Edward with the Templars he had recently joined and excitedly called him by his real name, nearly blowing his cover, to which Edward was quickly able to talk his way out of trouble.[5] The pirate met with Bonnet not long after and complained about the small pay he received from Governor Laureano de Torres y Ayala for the items he had brought. Stede, on the other hand, tried to inform Edward of his great sales from the day, but was ignored.[6]
This was the last time Edward and Stede saw each other for the next three years, as later that night, Edward decided to break into Torres' mansion and free Bartholomew Roberts in the hopes of interrogating him for the location of the fabled Observatory.[6] This resulted in Edward's capture and imprisonment aboard the Spanish Treasure Fleet, whereupon he escaped, commandeered a ship he renamed the Jackdaw, and rejoined his fellow pirates in Nassau.[7]
Introduction to piracy[edit | edit source]
- "I have been told your flag. To be aided by the famous pyrate Captain Edward Thatch—it must be fate. Stede Bonnet at your service, good sirrah."
- ―Stede introducing himself to Edward Thatch, 1717.[src]
Around his twenty-ninth birthday, Bonnet grew restless with "the tedium of domesticity", which may have been exacerbated by the death of his son. This prompted him to take up a life of piracy.[1] Despite knowing absolutely nothing about ships or seafaring, he ordered a fine vessel to be built, and then set out to find a pirate crew.[8] To maintain a part of his life of comfort, he installed a full library in the captain's quarters of his ship, and dressed in fine pajamas, smoking jackets, and frocks. Near the end of 1717, Stede bid his wife and children farewell, sailing north from Barbados, never to see them again.[1]
Sailing under the moniker "Captain Edwards", Stede was eager to take his first prize. His crew foolishly chose a Spanish Man O' War as their first target, and nearly half of his crew was killed or injured during the battle. Bonnet survived, and set sail for Nassau, meeting and befriending fellow pirate Edward Thatch. Thatch convinced Stede to hand over the Revenge, leaving Bonnet happily confined to his cabin.[1]
Two months later, Thatch captured a French slave ship called La Concorde, renaming it the Queen Anne's Revenge.[9] Thatch continued to mentor Stede for a time on board the Queen Anne's Revenge, where Bonnet was reunited with his old friend Edward Kenway while searching for medicines for Nassau among the shipwrecks of the Spanish Treasure Fleet. There, he became an unfortunate victim of Thatch's fear tactics, which frightened him speechless.[10]
Later on, Thatch and his crew engaged a British Man O' War, and were eventually assisted by Edward. After the battle, Thatch allowed Bonnet to leave his service, returning him the Revenge.[11] Meeting Edward for the final time, Bonnet joyfully bade the pirate farewell, thanking him for their friendship, which he claimed was "more precious than any treasure".[12]
Death[edit | edit source]
Feeling that he had received adequate tutelage under Thatch, Bonnet hoped to return to the Caribbean and receive a letter of marque from the Danish governor of St. Thomas to go privateering against Spanish ships. However, hurricane season left the Revenge trapped in the Northern Colonies, and as his crew grew restless, he was compelled to return to piracy despite decreased tolerance for pirates in the region.[1]
During the Battle of Cape Fear River, Bonnet's crew engaged Royal Marines led by Colonel William Rhett, and was captured. Though he attempted to escape, he was recaptured by Colonel Rhett and was hanged for piracy in Charles Town on 10 December 1718. Eyewitnesses reported being moved to tears by his remorse in the last moments before the execution.[1]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
In 1721, Edward Kenway learned about Stede's unfortunate fate while imprisoned in Port Royal, Jamaica, after overhearing a conversation between two British soldiers mocking the late "Gentleman Pirate".[13] One year later, prior to leaving the Caribbean and returning to England, Edward fondly recalled all of his deceased friends, envisioning them sitting around a table in Great Inagua and enjoying a drink together; Bonnet was among those who appeared in this vision.[14]
At some point prior to his death, Stede left behind clues to lead Edward to his hidden stash on Mystery Island. Exploring the island, Edward discovered Bonnet's buried treasure and claimed it for himself, acquiring an attire similar to Stede's own, as well as the sails and figurehead of the Revenge.[15]
In 1725, while inside a simulation of his past created by the Forgotten Temple, Edward was confronted by apparitions of several of his fallen comrades, including Bonnet. Edward's old companions were all recreated as mindless ghouls to torment him, but despite his disgust and anger, the Assassin prevailed and vanquished the apparitions.[16]
Personality and traits[edit | edit source]
Stede Bonnet was a jolly and gracious man, shown especially by his great respect for Edward Kenway, who saved his life, and his ability to see a silver lining to any situation. However, this came paired with naivety, as Bonnet clearly did not understand the potential dangers he could have faced while traveling with Edward, nor the consequences of piracy, passing it off for grand adventure.[15]
While sailing under Edward Thatch, Bonnet showed more courage, being toughened up by living among pirates. Of course, when Thatch was demonstrating to Edward what it meant to instill fear in men, Bonnet still cowered weakly when Thatch used him as an example. Despite this, Stede left Thatch's crew in good spirits, even commenting to Kenway the great impact that the man had on his self-esteem and confidence, as his last words to Edward involved Bonnet thanking him for his help.[15]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
Stede Bonnet is a historical figure and character introduced in the 2013 video game Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, where he was voiced by James Bachman.
Bonnet was believed to be one of those few pirates who forced their prisoners to "walk the plank", which became a common stereotype associated with pirates. No historical evidence supports this, however, nor do Edward Kenway or any of his friends mention Bonnet committing such an act in Black Flag.
Additionally, the historical Bonnet was actually cheated by Edward Thatch, who took his fleet and most of his treasures and left him only with the Revenge as his ship. This incident is not mentioned in Black Flag, its novelization, or Thatch's in-universe journal "written" by his ship scribe Charles Johnson, though the latter case could plausibly be Thatch choosing to omit such information.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Concept art of Stede Bonnet -
Stede Bonnet's pirate flag -
Assassin's Creed: Initiates art of Stede -
A sketch of Stede in Edward Thatch's journal -
Edward and Stede aboard the Revenge -
Edward and Stede arriving in Havana -
An injured Stede at Havana's port -
Edward telling Stede about the Observatory -
Edward showing the spoiled medicine to Thatch and Stede -
Thatch demonstrating his theatrics on a terrified Stede -
Edward and Stede's last meeting
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Black Flag
- Assassin's Creed: Initiates (mentioned in Database entry only)
- Assassin's Creed: Pirates (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard – The Lost Journal
- Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple (apparition only)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Database: Stede Bonnet
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Edward Kenway
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Lively Havana
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – ...And My Sugar?
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – A Man They Call the Sage
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Claiming What's Due
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – The Treasure Fleet
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Initiates – Database: The Aristocratic Pirate
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Database: Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Diving for Medicines
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – Devil's Advocate
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – The Siege of Charles-Towne
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – To Suffer Without Dying
- ↑ Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag – The End
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 137