Major Stede Bonnet was one of the most unique pirates, commonly known as the "Gentleman Pirate." His background was not that of a typical pirate. While he was not terribly successful as one, he became well known for his actions—in particular when he traveled with the notorious Blackbeard.
Contrary to popular belief, mostpirates did not have prisoners "walk the plank."Bonnet was one of the very few who did.
He earned the nickname of the "Gentleman Pirate" because of his cultured background, which he did not give up once he became a pirate. He was well groomed, wore fancy clothing and a periwig.
It has been suggested that Bonnet snapped one day as a result of his wife's constant nagging.At that point he decided he had enough, so he bought a sloop and outfitted it with ten guns using his own money. He rounded up a crew of 70 for his newly christened sloop Revenge and set sail for his new pirate life.
