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Questions and Answers
What distinctive feature characterized the ship of Maria Lindsey Cobham?
What distinctive feature characterized the ship of Maria Lindsey Cobham?
The ship was painted jet black from stem to stern.
How did Maria Lindsey Cobham's presence challenge the norms of piracy during her time?
How did Maria Lindsey Cobham's presence challenge the norms of piracy during her time?
She was a rare female figure in a predominantly male pirate community, known as Canada's 'pirate queen.'
What strategies did the Cobhams use to carry out their piracy in the Gulf of St. Lawrence?
What strategies did the Cobhams use to carry out their piracy in the Gulf of St. Lawrence?
They settled in an isolated hideout and conducted raids primarily on French ships.
How did the perception of pirates differ between wartime and peacetime according to Dan Conlin?
How did the perception of pirates differ between wartime and peacetime according to Dan Conlin?
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What was the notorious tactic used by the Cobhams in their raids against captured ships?
What was the notorious tactic used by the Cobhams in their raids against captured ships?
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What actions are attributed to Maria Lindsey that demonstrate her ruthlessness as a pirate?
What actions are attributed to Maria Lindsey that demonstrate her ruthlessness as a pirate?
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According to Conlin, how do the Cobhams fit into the pattern of piracy after the golden age of piracy ended?
According to Conlin, how do the Cobhams fit into the pattern of piracy after the golden age of piracy ended?
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What was the significance of Plymouth in the lives of Maria Lindsey and Eric Cobham?
What was the significance of Plymouth in the lives of Maria Lindsey and Eric Cobham?
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What was the nature of the Cobhams' first significant venture into piracy?
What was the nature of the Cobhams' first significant venture into piracy?
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Why did the Cobhams choose the Gulf of St. Lawrence for their piratical activities?
Why did the Cobhams choose the Gulf of St. Lawrence for their piratical activities?
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What advantages did the sloop have over larger navy ships in terms of navigation?
What advantages did the sloop have over larger navy ships in terms of navigation?
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How did Maria Cobham's attire play a role in her identity as a pirate?
How did Maria Cobham's attire play a role in her identity as a pirate?
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What was the ultimate fate of Maria Cobham after her life of piracy?
What was the ultimate fate of Maria Cobham after her life of piracy?
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What led to the end of Maria and Eric Cobham's pirate lifestyle?
What led to the end of Maria and Eric Cobham's pirate lifestyle?
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What was the reaction of Maria Cobham's children to the publication of Eric Cobham's confession?
What was the reaction of Maria Cobham's children to the publication of Eric Cobham's confession?
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Study Notes
Maria Lindsey Cobham: Pirate Queen of Canada
- Maria Lindsey Cobham, a 1700s pirate, terrorized sailors in the Canadian waters, particularly St. George's Bay.
- Her ship, a black single-masted sloop, was formidable, slicing through fog and carrying a skull-and-crossbones flag.
- Her crew totalled around 100 men, equipped with 12 cannons and led by a man in a stolen Royal Navy uniform.
- Cobham was ruthlessly effective, killing all captives to eliminate witnesses.
- Her methods contrasted with the more selective violence of "golden age" pirates (1650-1720). She often poisoned victims.
- The Cobhams were more active wreckers preying on distressed ships.
- Evidence comes from an unreliable autobiography written by Eric Cobham on his deathbed.
- Historians suspect reports were exaggerated but believe the Cobhams were effective pirates.
- Their hideout was on Newfoundland's west coast.
- These pirates focused their attacks on French ships in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Other Female Pirates
- Alvilda, a 9th-century Swedish woman, led a crew of female pirates, prowling the Baltic Sea as depicted in the legend.
- Anne Bonney, an early 1700s pirate in the Caribbean, was a significant figure. She accompanied "Calico Jack" and is noted for surviving a trial while pregnant.
- Mary Read, also a contemporary of "Calico Jack," was noted as a soldier and later pirate due to her female pirate exploits. She was pregnant at her capture and is noted for her strong constitution.
Madame Ching
- Madame Ching, an 1800s Chinese pirate, commanded a large fleet in southern China under the title of a widow.
- Her fleet grew to over 2,000 ships and secured pardons with parts of the Chinese imperial fleet.
Piracy Context
- Piracy, largely a male domain during the golden age, experienced a change in the 1700s, with women like Maria Cobham rising to prominence.
- The line between privateer (licensed pirate) and pirate blurred during wartime.
- Anti-piracy laws became stricter after the golden age of piracy.
Eric Cobham
- Eric Cobham, Maria's partner, is presented in the text as her equal in ruthlessness, although Maria was said to be more of a participant in the killings.
- They met in Plymouth, and he was initially drawn to her sexuality and she to his status.
- They settled in France and transformed into wealthy landowners after their retirement from piracy.
End Of Life, Maria & Eric Cobham
- Maria mysteriously died near the Cobham chateau. Cause of death is reportedly laudanum poisoning.
- Eric called for a priest to make a confession about their life of piracy before his own death. His accounts were recorded in a book that was suppressed by their children.
- This is a literary event that is now noted as a suppressed piece of maritime history.
Women in Maritime History
- Noteworthy themes of female resilience in maritime history beyond piracy are touched upon.
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Description
Explore the life of Maria Lindsey Cobham, a notorious pirate from the 1700s who terrorized Canadian waters. Discover her ship, crew, and ruthless methods as well as the historical context of her piracy. Delve into the myths and facts surrounding her legacy and the impact of her actions on maritime history.
