Is Jack Sparrow based on a 16th Century Kent pirate?

Captain Jack Sparrow is the fictional charcter in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, played by Johnny Depp

A former fish gutter from Kent may have been the inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow, the character made famous by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Jack Ward, also known as John, from Faversham, was a late 16th Century pirate who raided Spanish ships for their gold.

He made his fortune from plundering the high seas for treasure before retiring to a life of luxury in north Africa.

Neil Tonge, co-author of the book The Terrible Tudors, said he was "quite the lad, with quite a career".

So how did Mr Ward go from gutting fish in Faversham to the life of a pirate?

"At the time, Queen Elizabeth was selling licences for privateering," Mr Tonge said.

"If you attacked Spanish ships, stole their treasure and she got a handsome cut she was quite prepared to help you out.

"This became an exciting proposition for Jack Ward."

The privateers would wait near ports in the Caribbean for Spanish ships to arrive.

Mr Tonge said that Mr Ward made "an absolute fortune" from raiding Spanish treasure ships."

The plan ended when James I, who was determined to make peace with Spain, came to the throne in 1603.

Mr Ward fled to north Africa where he became a Barbary pirate.

"He attacked just about everything, regardless," Mr Tonge said.

The pirate is believed to have eventually lived a life of luxury in Tunis.

Mr Tonge added: "He was extremely well-off. He did try to get a pardon from England, but he had such a disreputable reputation and life.

"Because he was still raiding when peace was declared with Spain, he was seen as a traitor to the country."

But could Mr Ward really be the inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow?

"He was one of the most famous pirates of his time. He seemed to be the ideal figure to emulate," Mr Tonge said.

"He was surrounded by his riches and his parrot collection."

Mr Tonge said that Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow was "more sophisticated and swarthier".

"The description doesn't fit with Jack Ward," he added.

"But it's Hollywood and it's fantasy and superb entertainment."