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William Dampier
British pirate and explorer (1651-1715) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Dampier (baptised 5 September 1651;[1] died March 1715) was the first Englishman to explore parts of Australia. He was the first person to circumnavigate the world three times. On one voyage he rescued Alexander Selkirk, a sailor who may have inspired Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
William Dampier | |
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![]() Portrait of Dampier holding his book, a painting by Thomas Murray (c. 1697–1698) | |
Born | Baptised 5 September 1651 East Coker, Somerset, England |
Died | March 1715 (aged 64) London, England |
Nationality | British |
Occupation(s) | Privateer and explorer |
Known for | Exploring and mapping Australia, Circumnavigation |
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