Brigstock Weaver

Brigstock Weaver (born c. 1686 – died 1767) (fl. 1720–1725, first name occasionally Bridstock) was an English pirate active in the Caribbean. He is best known for his association with fellow pirates Thomas Anstis and Bartholomew Roberts.

History

Weaver had been first mate of the Mary and Martha when they were captured near Saint Kitts in 1720 by Bartholomew Roberts and Montigny la Palisse, who burned the ship and forced the crew to sign their Articles.

He met Anstis again while careening their vessels in 1723 when they were caught while ashore by a pirate-hunting warship. After the Morning Star ran ashore and was wrecked they scattered, while Fenn took command of the Good Fortune from Weaver and used it to escape. Many of the pirates were captured but Weaver and a few others fled into the woods; soldiers found Anstis dead, murdered by his own disgruntled crew. He bought new clothes and walked freely around town until by chance he met the captain of a ship he'd helped raid while serving under Anstis.

William Ingram and other crew who'd served with Anstis willingly were executed. Some crewmen such as the ship's doctor William Parker (who had also been captured and forced aboard) confirmed his story and in July 1725 the Admiralty Court pardoned Weaver.