Edward Bancroft

Edward Bancroft was a double-agent spy during the American Revolution, working for both the United States and Great Britain.

Doctor

January 9, 1744

Capricorn

September 07, 1821

77

Westfield, Massachusetts

Edward Bancroft was a British scientist and spy who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. He collaborated closely with Benjamin Franklin and served as a double agent for both the British and American sides. Bancroft’s most notable achievement was his involvement in the negotiations for the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Other significant contributions include his correspondence with Franklin, his recruitment and management of other double agents, and his time as a political exile in France, where he continued to gather intelligence and support British interests.

In addition to his espionage activities, Bancroft was involved in the transatlantic slave trade during his early career. Some historians have found evidence suggesting that he may have maintained his involvement in the slave trade even after becoming a British spy. This aspect of his career has received less attention compared to his role in the American Revolution.

Some of Edward Bancroft’s most notable works and achievements include:
1. Serving as a double agent during the American Revolution, providing valuable intelligence to both the British and American sides.
2. Playing a pivotal role in the negotiations for the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War.
3. Corresponding with Benjamin Franklin, exchanging crucial information and strategies.
4. Recruiting and managing other double agents, further enhancing British intelligence efforts.
5. Spending time as a political exile in France, where he continued to gather intelligence and support British interests.

An interesting fact about Edward Bancroft is that he was a double-agent spy during the American Revolution, working for both the United States and Great Britain.