Conspiracy Theories Podcast Summary Episode: Was the “Pirate King” also the King’s Spy?
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Carter Roy | Producer: Spotify Studios

Introduction to Henry Avery: The Pirate King

In the opening segment, Carter Roy sets the stage by introducing Henry Avery, a legendary figure of the late 17th century. Known as the Pirate King, Avery orchestrated what was then the largest oceanic heist in 1695, striking a critical blow to the English monarchy and the powerful East India Company. This audacious act led to a global manhunt, though Avery vanished without a trace, cementing his status as a living legend.

Notable Quote:

"Henry’s fate remains one of the biggest question marks in the history of piracy."
— Carter Roy [00:00]

The Spanish Expedition and the Mutiny

Avery's journey began as the first mate on the Charles II, part of a Spanish-backed expedition ostensibly aimed at trading guns in the West Indies. However, the expedition had a covert mission to loot Caribbean shipwrecks for treasure. Prolonged delays in Okarunya, coupled with unpaid wages, led to growing unrest among the crew. Seizing the opportunity, Avery masterminded a mutiny on May 7, 1694, swiftly taking control of the Charles II and renaming it the Fancy.

Notable Quote:

“I’m the captain now and you’re in my room.”
— Henry Avery during the mutiny [00:04:27]

The Indian Ocean Heist: Looting and Legacy

Under Avery's leadership, the Fancy ventured into the Indian Ocean, targeting wealthy merchant ships en route to Mecca. Their first significant capture was the Fat Mohammadi, seizing treasure valued between £50,000 to £60,000 (approximately $5 to $10 million today). The pinnacle of Avery's piracy was the attack on the Gange Sawai (also known as the Gunsway), a Mughal Empire vessel carrying vast riches. Despite being outnumbered 4 to 1, Avery's strategic prowess led to a successful takeover, yielding treasures estimated between £200,000 to £600,000 ($20 to $60 million).

Notable Quote:

“A pirate songs are big at this time, but something about Henry really captures people's imaginations.”
— Carter Roy [04:27]

Aftermath: East India Company and the Global Manhunt

The plunder of the Gange Sawai infuriated Emperor Aurangzeb of the Mughal Empire, a key ally of the East India Company. Facing immense pressure, the Company sought to quell tensions by offering full restitution to Aurangzeb and appealing to King William III to sanction Avery's capture. However, by the time the proclamation was issued, Avery had already evaded capture, slipping into the Bahamas and later to Ireland. The East India Company's attempts to prosecute involved trials that ultimately failed, leading to convictions and executions, while Avery himself remained elusive.

Notable Quote:

“The public loves him, and, by extension, his fellow pirates.”
— Carter Roy [14:03]

The Mystery of Avery’s Disappearance

Henry Avery’s disappearance remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from a peaceful retirement in Madagascar to a tragic end in England. Historical accounts from sources like Enemy of All Mankind suggest he might have died penniless after being betrayed by an old friend. Contrarily, other narratives propose he lived comfortably on a tropical island, avoiding the authorities forever.

Notable Quote:

“He was forced to walk partway across the country and died of illness.”
— Carter Roy [14:55]

The Conspiracy Theory: Avery as a Royal Spy

A compelling conspiracy theory explored in this episode posits that Henry Avery did not perish but instead transitioned into a clandestine role as a royal spy for the English government. This theory gains traction from a mysterious coded letter discovered in 1978 by historian Zahleid Cowan, purportedly authored by Avery. The Cowans, along with historian Sean Kingsley, delved into this possibility, linking Avery to the renowned writer and spy Daniel Defoe.

Notable Quote:

“Maybe he went undercover as a spy working for the English government.”
— Carter Roy [00:00]

Modern Discoveries and Research Supporting the Spy Theory

Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan, leveraging the enigmatic letter and extensive archival research, argue that Avery was recruited by Defoe to assist in political espionage, particularly concerning the Act of Union 1707. Their book, The Pirate: The Strange Adventures of Henry Avery and the Birth of the Golden Age of Piracy, suggests that Avery’s pirate activities were strategically aligned with governmental objectives, allowing him to live anonymously while gathering intelligence.

Notable Quote:

“The connection was Defoe's friendship with Henry Avery.”
— Carter Roy [14:55]

Counterarguments and Skepticism

Despite the intriguing narrative, skeptics highlight the lack of concrete evidence linking Avery to the coded letter definitively. Critics argue that the letter's authenticity remains dubious and that the elaborate spy theory may stem more from myth-making than historical fact. They caution against accepting the theory without more substantial proof, acknowledging that many of Avery’s stories were embellished over time.

Notable Quote:

“We can’t know for sure whether he really wrote it... its contents might not offer enough to base such a detailed theory on.”
— Carter Roy [14:55]

Conclusion: Henry Avery’s Enduring Legacy

Whether viewed as the charismatic Pirate King or a covert royal spy, Henry Avery's legacy endures as a captivating figure in maritime history. The blending of fact and fiction continues to fuel debates and inspire new generations to explore the true story behind one of piracy's most enigmatic leaders.

Notable Quote:

“The legend allowed the man to go free and live undercover.”
— Carter Roy [End]

Sources and Acknowledgments

The episode draws on a variety of sources, including Enemy of All Mankind by Stephen Johnson and The Pirate: The Strange Adventures of Henry Avery and the Birth of the Golden Age of Piracy by Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan. Special thanks were given to contributors such as Mickey Taylor, Maggie Admire, Sophie Kemp, Sam Amezquah, and Ryan Contra for their roles in research, editing, and production.

Notable Quote:

“Remember, the truth isn't always the best story. And the official story isn't always the truth.”
— Carter Roy [End]

This summary captures the essential discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.