Collection: The 1680’s

In the Caribbean, the Age of Piracy reached its zenith during this period.
English, French, and Spanish pirates and privateers roamed the seas, preying on merchant ships and plundering coastal settlements. The Caribbean, with its abundance of islands and sheltered harbours, provided a safe haven for these maritime adventurers.

Meanwhile, in England, the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 was a failed attempt to overthrow King James II.
Led by James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, a natural son of King Charles II, the rebellion sought to restore the Protestant line of succession to the throne. Despite initial successes, the rebellion was ultimately crushed by the royal forces, leading to Monmouth's execution and the consolidation of James II's rule.

These two events, though seemingly unrelated, were connected
by the shared spirit of rebellion and adventure that characterised the era.