William Dampier was an English buccaneer, explorer, and naturalist who circumnavigated the globe three times and was the first Englishman to explore parts of Australia. He sailed with buccaneer crews that raided Spanish shipping in the Pacific before later commanding Royal Navy exploration voyages. His detailed published journals influenced navigation, natural history, and literature, including Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
Quick Facts
| Real Name | William Dampier |
|---|---|
| Born | 1651 |
| Died | 1715-03 |
| Nationality | English |
| Years Active | 1679-1711 |
| Known Ships | Cygnet; Roebuck; St. George |
| Fate | Died in London in March 1715, in debt despite his fame, after a career combining buccaneering, exploration, and Royal Navy service |
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