Charles Vane

Charles Vane (hanged 29 March 1721) was an English pirate who operated in the Bahamas during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Vane’s place of birth is unknown. One of his first pirate ventures was under the leadership of Henry Jennings, during Jennings' attack on the salvage camp for the wrecked Spanish 1715 Treasure Fleet off the coast of Florida. By 1717, Vane was commanding his own vessels and was a notable member of the Flying Gang in Nassau. In 1718, Vane agreed to stop his pirate activities and declared his intention to accept a King's Pardon; however, just months later he and his men, including Edward England returned to piracy. Vane was known for his cruelty, and in court documents is said to have beaten, tortured, and interrogated sailors from ships he captured. In February 1719, Vane was caught in a storm in the Bay Islands and was marooned on an uncharted island. Upon being discovered by a passing British ship, he was arrested and brought to Port Royal where he was eventually tried and hanged in March 1721.