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William Kidd

Notable Trials

Knowledge panel

Occupation

Notable Trials

Born

January 1, 1645

Zodiac

Capricorn

20,596

days lived

56

age at death

Died
May 23, 1701 (aged 56)
Zodiac
♑︎Capricorn·rooster 🐓
Updated Jul 2026

About

Notable Trials

Before Fame

Before his infamous career, William Kidd was a respected privateer who had established himself by 1690, commissioned to protect English interests in North America and the West Indies. He was known for his success in this role.

Trivia

Kidd was convicted of murder but acquitted of piracy, a distinction that did not prevent his execution. The belief that Kidd buried vast amounts of treasure significantly contributed to his enduring legend and inspired numerous treasure hunts. His exploits became a popular subject in pirate-themed fiction, solidifying his place in popular culture.

Family Life

Information about William Kidd's family life is scarce. He was married to Sarah Bradley, the widow of a wealthy New York landowner, and had at least one daughter.

Birth Chart

Natal Chart

William's Birth Chart

Astrology
♈︎♉︎♊︎♋︎♌︎♍︎♎︎♏︎♐︎♑︎♒︎♓︎
Fire
Earth
Air
Water

Sun Sign

Capricorn♑︎

Moon Sign

Aquarius♒︎

Dominant Element

Earth

⚠️ Rising sign requires birth time for accurate calculation

Planetary positions calculated for January 1, 1645

Connections4

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Timeline
1701
Day 20,595
Age 56

Hanged in London

Confidence
96%
May 23, 1701

William Kidd was found guilty of piracy and murder and was hanged at Execution Dock in London.

Day 20,453
Age 56

Trial and Conviction

Confidence
98%
Jan 1, 1701
1699
Day 19,723
Age 54

Arrested in Boston

Confidence
98%
Jan 1, 1699
1698
Day 19,358
Age 53

Captured the Quedagh Merchant

Confidence
96%
Jan 1, 1698

Kidd captured his most significant prize, the Quedagh Merchant, a ship hired by Armenian merchants.

1696
Day 18,627
Age 51

Set Sail on Adventure Galley

Confidence
96%
Jan 1, 1696

Kidd set sail on his new ship, the Adventure Galley, for the Indian Ocean to hunt pirates and enemy ships.

1695
Day 18,262
Age 50

Received Royal Commission

Confidence
96%
Jan 1, 1695

Kidd received a royal commission from the Earl of Bellomont to hunt pirates and enemy French ships in the Indian Ocean.

1690
Day 16,436
Age 45

Became a Successful Privateer

Confidence
96%
Jan 1, 1690

By this year, Kidd had established himself as a highly successful privateer, commissioned to protect English interests.

1645
Day 0
Age 0

Born in Dundee

Confidence
96%
Jan 1, 1645

William Kidd was likely born in Dundee, Scotland. The exact date of his birth is uncertain.