CASTING CRUSOE
Selkirk was one of several stranded sailors that might have inspired Daniel Defoe
GONZALO GUERRERO
While this Spanish sailor’s adventures have been heavily mythologised, Guerrero was enslaved by Maya in southeast Mexico after his caravel sank in 1511. However, he earned his freedom after proving himself a warrior, even marrying a local noblewoman. When the conquistadors arrived in 1519, Guerrero chose to fight against the Spanish invaders.
WILL
This Miskito Native American was marooned on Más a Tierra in 1681, 20 years before Selkirk. In fact, he was rescued in 1684 by William Dampier – the same man who would save Selkirk, who also recorded Will’s tale. It is possible Will inspired the Robinson Crusoe character Man Friday.
MARGUERITE DE LA ROCQUE
This French aristocrat was stranded with her lover after her fellow shipmates disapproved of their relationship. Abandoned on the so-called Isle of Demons, La Rocque got pregnant and gave birth, but her baby and partner died. She survived for two years – even killing a bear – before being rescued by fisherman in 1544.
FERNÃO LOPES
This 16th century Portuguese soldier was brutally tortured after converting to Islam and siding with the Muslim resistance while stationed in Goa, India. After losing his nose, ears and right arm as punishment, Lopes stowed away on a ship bound for Lisbon, before exiling himself to the island of St Helena – better known as Napoleon’s final resting place – for 30 years.
HENRY PITMAN
Like Defoe, this surgeon participated in the Monmouth Rebellion against King James II, but was sentenced to transportation for it. Pitman and several others escaped but were shipwrecked on Tortuga, near Haiti, in 1687. Pitman survived on turtle eggs and fish, and even attempted to make pottery. He was found by privateers and returned to England.
ROBERT KNOX
This English sea captain was held captive for two decades after he and his father were marooned on Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) in 1659. While his father died from malaria, Knox lived as a corn farmer for several years before escaping to a Dutch colony and returning to London in 1680. As well as publishing an account of his experience, Defoe may have known Knox personally.