37 Facts About Bartholomew Roberts

Early Life and Background

Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, was one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. His life was filled with adventure, danger, and intrigue.

1. Born in 1682 in Wales, Roberts' real name was John Roberts.
2. Before becoming a pirate, he worked as a mate on a slave ship.
3. Roberts was captured by pirates in 1719 and reluctantly joined them.
4. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his navigation skills and leadership qualities.

Rise to Infamy

Roberts' career as a pirate was marked by numerous daring exploits and a relentless pursuit of wealth.

5. In 1719, Roberts was elected captain after the death of Howell Davis, the previous pirate leader.
6. He adopted the name Bartholomew Roberts to honor the famous pirate Bartholomew Sharp.
7. Roberts captured over 400 ships during his career, making him one of the most successful pirates in history.
8. His most famous ship was the Royal Fortune, which he used to terrorize the seas.

Notable Exploits

Roberts' daring and cunning made him a legend among pirates and a nightmare for his enemies.

9. In 1720, he captured the Portuguese treasure fleet off the coast of Brazil.
10. Roberts once attacked and looted the town of Trepassey in Newfoundland, burning 22 ships in the harbor.
11. He famously captured the governor of Martinique and hanged him from the yardarm of his ship.
12. Roberts was known for his flamboyant style, often wearing a crimson waistcoat and a feathered hat during battles.

Code of Conduct

Roberts enforced a strict code of conduct among his crew, which helped maintain order and discipline.

13. His pirate code included rules such as no gambling, no women on board, and equal shares of plunder.
14. Any pirate caught stealing from another was punished by marooning or death.
15. Roberts' code also required lights out by 8 p.m. to ensure the crew was well-rested for the next day's activities.
16. He believed in fair treatment and often shared his wealth with his crew.

Death and Legacy

Roberts' death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on in pirate lore and popular culture.

17. In 1722, Roberts was killed in a battle with the Royal Navy off the coast of West Africa.
18. His body was thrown overboard by his crew to prevent it from being captured.
19. After his death, many of his crew were captured and tried for piracy, with most being hanged.
20. Roberts' exploits inspired numerous books, movies, and legends about the Golden Age of Piracy.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond his notorious career, there are many fascinating aspects of Roberts' life and personality.

21. Roberts was known for his strict personal hygiene, often bathing daily, which was unusual for pirates.
22. He was a teetotaler, preferring tea over rum, which set him apart from other pirates.
23. Despite his fearsome reputation, Roberts was known to be kind and generous to his friends and allies.
24. He once captured a ship carrying a load of religious books and distributed them among his crew.

Influence on Pirate Culture

Roberts' influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the image and culture of pirates for generations.

25. His Jolly Roger flag, featuring a skull and crossbones, became one of the most iconic pirate symbols.
26. Roberts' leadership style and code of conduct influenced other pirate captains and crews.
27. His daring exploits and flamboyant style became the basis for many fictional pirate characters.
28. Roberts' story has been retold in countless books, movies, and TV shows, cementing his place in pirate lore.

Lesser-Known Facts

There are many lesser-known but equally fascinating facts about Bartholomew Roberts that add depth to his legend.

29. Roberts once captured a French warship and added it to his fleet, renaming it the Good Fortune.
30. He was known to play the violin during long voyages to entertain his crew.
31. Roberts' favorite weapon was a pair of pistols, which he carried at all times.
32. He was fluent in several languages, including Welsh, English, and Portuguese.

Final Days

The final days of Roberts' life were marked by intense battles and a relentless pursuit by the Royal Navy.

33. In his last battle, Roberts fought bravely against overwhelming odds, refusing to surrender.
34. His crew respected him so much that they followed his orders even in the face of certain defeat.
35. Roberts' death marked the beginning of the end for the Golden Age of Piracy.
36. His legacy lived on through the stories and legends told by those who sailed with him.

Enduring Legacy

Roberts' impact on pirate culture and history remains significant, with his story continuing to captivate people around the world.

37. Bartholomew Roberts is remembered as one of the greatest pirates of all time, a symbol of adventure and rebellion.

Bartholomew Roberts' Legacy

Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, left an indelible mark on pirate history. With over 400 ships captured, his exploits were legendary. His strict code of conduct set him apart from other pirates, emphasizing discipline and fairness among his crew. Roberts' daring raids and strategic brilliance made him a formidable force on the high seas. Despite his eventual downfall in 1722, his legacy endures, inspiring countless tales of adventure and piracy. His life reminds us of the complex nature of piracy, blending ruthlessness with a surprising sense of order. As we reflect on his story, it's clear that Bartholomew Roberts was more than just a pirate; he was a master strategist and a symbol of the golden age of piracy. His impact on maritime history remains significant, making him a fascinating figure to study and remember.