Peter Easton

Peter Easton was a pirate in the early 17th century. He had been a loyal British seaman in command of a small fleet bound for Newfoundland but had become a pirate by 1612 in charge of ten pirate ships and a headquarters at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. He raided and plundered both English and foreign vessels and the harbours of Newfoundland island impressing men into his service along the way. On one expediation he plundered thirty English ships in St. John's and held Sir Richard Whitbourne priosoner, releasing him on the condition that Whitbourne go to England and obtain a pardon for Easton. The pardon was granted but by this time Easton had moved on to the Barbary Coast to harass the Spanish. He eventally settled in Savoy, acquiring the title Marquis of Savoy.