Captain Blood

During the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, Irish physician Peter Blood treats wounded rebels near Bridgwater despite having taken no part in their cause. Lord Jeffreys condemns him for treason, and a sentence of death is commuted to transportation and forced servitude in Barbados. Blood’s medical skill gives him access to the colony’s ruling circle, but it cannot protect him or his fellow prisoners from an owner determined to enforce his authority.

When Spanish raiders attack Bridgetown, Blood leads a group of convicts in seizing the attackers’ ship and escaping to sea. He becomes a formidable Caribbean buccaneer whose restraint towards civilians and English vessels sets him apart from many of his rivals, even as colonial officials and European powers attempt to capture or recruit him. The Glorious Revolution transforms his legal position, offering a route back to public service if he can defend Jamaica and resolve the conflict separating him from Arabella Bishop.