“Black John” Gow, Scotland’s Notorious Pirate

John Gow, known as “Black John”, was a notorious pirate who terrorized the waters around Scotland in the early 18th century. His daring raids and brutal treatment of prisoners earned him a fearsome reputation, and his exploits have become the stuff of legend. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous exploits of this notorious pirate.

Gow was born in 1698 in Orkney, and little is known about his early life. It is believed that he started his career as a seaman on trading vessels in the North Sea before turning to piracy. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became a captain in his own right. Gow is said to have operated in the waters around Scotland and the Orkney Islands, where he preyed on ships carrying valuable cargo.

One of Gow’s most famous exploits was the capture of the Royal Anne, a ship belonging to the Royal Navy. The ship was carrying a large amount of valuable cargo, including gold and silver, and Gow and his crew were determined to get their hands on it. They managed to board the ship and overpower the crew, and the Royal Anne became one of the most famous pirate ships of all time.

Gow’s success was not limited to the Royal Anne, however. He is said to have captured dozens of ships during his career, and his daring raids made him a legend among pirates. Gow’s crew was fiercely loyal to him, and he was known for his skill as a navigator and his ability to inspire his men to great acts of bravery.

One of the most notorious incidents involving Gow was the kidnapping of three women from the island of Eigg in 1725. Gow and his crew landed on the island and captured the women, taking them back to their ship. The incident caused outrage throughout Scotland, and a reward was offered for the capture of the pirates.

Unfortunately for Gow, his luck eventually ran out. He was captured later that year and taken to London to stand trial for piracy. Despite his protests of innocence, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Gow’s execution was a public spectacle, and it is said that he met his end with courage and dignity.

Despite his violent and ruthless reputation, Black John Gow has become a folk hero in Scotland. His legend continues to captivate people all over the world, and his exploits have been the subject of many songs, poems, and stories. Whether he was a villain or a hero, there is no denying the impact that John Gow had on the history of piracy and the maritime world.