Lancelot Blackburne

Lancelot Blackburne (sometimes Blackburn or Blackbourne), (10 December 1658 – 23 March 1743) was an English clergyman, who became Archbishop of York, and — in popular legend — a pirate.

Early life

He was born in London, a younger brother of Richard Blackburne. He attended Westminster School, and in 1676 entered Christ Church College, Oxford. He graduated in 1680, was ordained, and travelled to the West Indies. In January 1684 he was granted an MA by the university; at this time, he is known to have been in Nevis. A popular story recounts that he spent these years sailing with buccaneers, either as their chaplain or as a pirate himself; there is little evidence either way, although an intriguing record of 1681 notes that he was paid £20 by Charles II for "secret services".

Related Topics:
London - Richard Blackburne - Westminster School - 1676 - Christ Church College, Oxford - 1680 - West Indies - Nevis - Buccaneers - Chaplain - 1681 - Charles II

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