Bartholomew Roberts, born John Roberts in 1682, became one of the most notorious pirates in history. Known by the fearsome nickname “Black Bart,” this Welsh sailor turned to piracy in 1719 and quickly gained a reputation for audacity and success.
Roberts captured over 400 ships during his brief but prolific career, far surpassing other infamous pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. His exploits spanned the Atlantic, from the coasts of West Africa to the Caribbean and even as far north as Newfoundland. Roberts’ cunning and charisma allowed him to amass a fleet of four ships and command hundreds of pirates at the height of his power.
The story of Bartholomew Roberts embodies the daring and adventure of the Golden Age of Piracy. His organizational skills and leadership set him apart from his contemporaries, making him a figure of both fear and fascination. Roberts’ reign of terror on the high seas lasted until 1722, when his luck finally ran out in a fierce battle with the British Royal Navy.
Early Life and Entry into Piracy
Bartholomew Roberts’ journey from a Welsh sailor to one of history’s most notorious pirates was marked by unexpected twists. His early experiences and chance encounters set the stage for his legendary career on the high seas.
Bartholomew Roberts’ Welsh Origins
Born John Roberts in 1682 in Haverfordwest, Wales, Bartholomew Roberts grew up in a seafaring community. He left home at a young age, possibly as early as 13, to join the Royal Navy.
Roberts honed his nautical skills during his time in the navy. This early maritime experience would prove invaluable in his later piratical endeavors.
By 1719, Roberts had become a skilled navigator and was serving as second mate on a slave ship. This position took him to various ports along the African coast, exposing him to the lucrative trade routes he would later exploit.
Captured by Pirates
In June 1719, Roberts’ life took a dramatic turn when his ship was captured by pirates off the coast of Africa. The pirate crew was led by Howell Davis, a fellow Welshman.
Instead of facing harm, Roberts was given a choice: join the pirates or face an uncertain fate. He opted to join, later claiming he was “forced” into piracy.
Roberts’ nautical expertise quickly caught the attention of Davis and the crew. His skills in navigation and strategy made him a valuable asset to the pirate band.
Howell Davis and the Path to Captaincy
Howell Davis, Roberts’ initial captor, became both a mentor and compatriot. Davis recognized Roberts’ potential and took him under his wing.
Under Davis’ leadership, Roberts learned the intricacies of pirate operations. He observed tactics, strategy, and the delicate balance of maintaining crew loyalty.
When Davis was killed in an ambush just six weeks after Roberts joined, the crew turned to Roberts. They elected him as their new captain, recognizing his skills and charisma.
This unexpected promotion marked the beginning of Roberts’ brief but prolific career as “Black Bart,” one of the most successful pirates in history.
Roberts’ Command and The Royal Fortune
Bartholomew Roberts, known as “Black Bart,” commanded one of the most formidable pirate ships of the Golden Age of Piracy. His flagship, the Royal Fortune, was a powerful vessel that struck fear into the hearts of merchants and sailors alike.
Becoming ‘Black Bart’
Roberts earned his fearsome reputation through his bold tactics and successful raids. He captured over 400 prize ships during his career, cementing his status as a legendary pirate captain.
His charisma and leadership skills allowed him to maintain control over his crew. Roberts implemented a strict code of conduct aboard his ships, which contributed to his effectiveness as a commander.
Flagship Acquisition and Upgrades
The Royal Fortune was not Roberts’ first ship, but it became his most famous. He acquired larger and better-armed vessels throughout his piratical career, consistently upgrading his fleet.
Roberts’ flagship was a formidable warship equipped with 42 cannons. This impressive armament made the Royal Fortune a match for many naval vessels of the time.
The ship’s firepower, combined with Roberts’ tactical skills, allowed him to engage in daring raids along the coasts of Africa and the Americas. The Royal Fortune’s reputation alone was often enough to convince potential targets to surrender without a fight.
The Pirate’s Code and Governance
Bartholomew Roberts established a comprehensive set of rules and governance structures aboard his ships. These regulations shaped the daily lives of his crew and influenced pirate operations.
Pirate Code of Conduct
Roberts implemented a detailed pirate code to maintain order and discipline. The code covered various aspects of shipboard life and piracy operations.
Key rules included fair distribution of plunder, voting rights for crew members on important decisions, and penalties for theft or desertion. Gambling was restricted to prevent conflicts among the crew.
The code also addressed combat situations, specifying procedures for engaging enemy ships and treatment of prisoners. Roberts’ articles demonstrated a commitment to fairness and representation among his crew.
Leadership and Crew Management
Roberts ran a disciplined ship with clear leadership structures. He maintained authority as captain while allowing crew input on significant matters.
The pirate articles outlined specific roles and responsibilities for officers and crew members. This organization helped ensure efficient ship operations and successful raids.
Roberts’ leadership style balanced autocracy with elements of democracy. Crew members had voting rights on major decisions, reflecting a more egalitarian approach than traditional naval hierarchies.
This system of governance proved effective, contributing to Roberts’ success as one of the most prolific pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Campaigns and Notable Victories
Bartholomew Roberts conducted successful piracy campaigns across multiple regions, amassing significant wealth and notoriety. His exploits spanned the Caribbean, South America, and European waters.
Plundering the Caribbean
Roberts’ Caribbean campaign began in June 1719 when he was elected captain of his first ship. He quickly captured over 400 vessels, though many were small fishing boats. His boldness and strategic thinking set him apart from other pirates.
In 1720, Roberts orchestrated a daring raid on Trepassey, Newfoundland. He seized 22 ships in the harbor and burned several. This attack demonstrated his ability to strike even in well-defended areas.
Roberts also conducted successful operations in the Lesser Antilles. He captured numerous merchant vessels and engaged in audacious acts like sailing into ports flying pirate colors.
The Brazilian Riches
Roberts’ Brazilian campaign in 1719 proved highly lucrative. He targeted a Portuguese treasure fleet near Todos os Santos Bay.
The pirate captain captured a 42-gun warship loaded with 40,000 gold moidores and jewelry. This prize significantly boosted his reputation and finances.
Roberts also seized several other valuable ships during this period. His success in Brazilian waters cemented his status as one of the most effective pirates of his era.
European Vessels and Beyond
Roberts extended his reach to African waters and European shipping lanes. In 1721, he captured a French warship off Martinique, renaming it Royal Fortune.
He targeted slave ships along the African coast, often freeing enslaved people and recruiting willing individuals into his crew. This practice expanded his manpower and disrupted the slave trade.
Roberts also ventured as far as Newfoundland, attacking fishing fleets and coastal settlements. His wide-ranging campaigns demonstrated his navigational skills and adaptability.
Conflict with the Royal Navy
Bartholomew Roberts’ notorious piracy career culminated in a dramatic confrontation with the Royal Navy. His encounters with naval forces showcased both his tactical prowess and ultimate downfall.
Naval Battles and Skirmishes
Roberts engaged in numerous clashes with Royal Navy vessels throughout his pirating career. He captured over 400 ships of various sizes, from small fishing boats to large frigates. His success stemmed from a combination of daring tactics and a strict code of conduct among his crew.
In April 1721, Roberts boldly captured a French frigate off Martinique. This 52-gun vessel significantly bolstered his fleet’s firepower. Roberts’ audacious raids and growing notoriety prompted increased efforts by naval authorities to hunt him down.
The Pursuit by HMS Swallow
The HMS Swallow, commanded by Captain Chaloner Ogle, relentlessly pursued Roberts in early 1722. Ogle had been tasked with bringing the infamous pirate to justice. The chase led to the waters off Gabon, West Africa.
On February 10, 1722, the two ships engaged in a fierce battle near Cape Lopez. Roberts, caught off guard, faced the full might of the Royal Navy frigate. The encounter proved fatal for the pirate captain, who was killed during the engagement.
This battle marked the end of Roberts’ piracy career and dealt a significant blow to pirate activities in the region. Captain Ogle’s victory over “Black Bart” Roberts solidified his reputation as an effective pirate hunter.
The Legacy of Bartholomew Roberts
Bartholomew Roberts left an indelible mark on pirate history and culture. His influence extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping perceptions of piracy and inspiring countless stories.
Influence on Pirate Culture
Roberts’ impact on pirate culture was significant. He captured over 400 ships during his career, setting a high bar for pirate success. His strict code of conduct emphasized discipline and fairness among crew members, influencing later pirate practices.
Roberts popularized the use of the Jolly Roger flag. His version featured himself and Death holding an hourglass, striking fear into the hearts of potential victims.
The Skull and Crossbones symbol, while not Roberts’ personal emblem, gained prominence during his era. It became synonymous with piracy, partly due to Roberts’ notoriety.
Historical Accounts and Pop Culture
Roberts’ exploits were immortalized in “A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates” by Captain Charles Johnson. This work shaped public perception of pirates for generations.
In modern times, Roberts’ legacy lives on in popular culture. He has been featured in:
- Books and novels
- Films and television shows
- Video games
His reputation as one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy continues to captivate audiences. Roberts’ story serves as a prime example of the romanticized pirate archetype in media portrayals.
Here’s an extended FAQ for “Who Was Bartholomew Roberts? The Most Successful Pirate!” in the requested format:
Q: Who was Black Bart and why was he called the most successful pirate?
A: Black Bart, also known as Bartholomew Roberts, was a Welsh pirate who became one of the most successful pirates in history. He captured over 400 ships during his career, earning him the title of the most successful pirate. Roberts was known for his daring raids, strategic thinking, and the vast amount of wealth he accumulated.
Q: What was Bartholomew Roberts’ signature flag?
A: Roberts sailed under a black flag, which was common among pirates. His most famous flag featured him standing on two skulls, representing his conquests over the islands of Barbados and Martinique. The flag also included a diamond cross and a sword in his hand, symbolizing his power and wealth.
Q: How did Bartholomew Roberts become a pirate?
A: Roberts began his seafaring career as a merchant sailor. In 1719, his ship was captured by pirates led by Howell Davis. Roberts was forced to join the crew, but he quickly embraced the pirate lifestyle. After Davis was killed, Roberts was elected captain by the crew, launching his career as a pirate leader.
Q: What were some of Bartholomew Roberts’ most notable conquests?
A: One of Roberts’ most famous conquests was the capture of a Portuguese treasure ship off the coast of Brazil. He also successfully raided numerous ships and settlements in the Caribbean and West Africa. In 1721, Roberts took 40 men and captured the heavily fortified Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, which belonged to the Royal African Company.
Q: How did Bartholomew Roberts dress?
A: Roberts was known for his flamboyant style. He often wore a damask waistcoat and breeches, a gold chain round his neck, a diamond cross on his chest, and a red feather in his hat. He also carried two pairs of pistols and a sword, adding to his intimidating appearance.
Q: What was life like aboard Bartholomew Roberts’ ship?
A: Roberts ran a tight ship with strict rules. He forbade gambling and women on board his ship. Roberts and his crew adhered to a code of conduct that included fair distribution of plunder and compensation for injuries. Despite his fearsome reputation, Roberts was known to treat captured crews with relative mercy compared to other pirates of his time.
Q: How did Bartholomew Roberts die?
A: Captain Roberts was killed in battle on February 10, 1722, off the coast of West Africa. During an engagement with the HMS Swallow, a British warship, Roberts was struck in the throat by grapeshot. His crew, following his standing order, threw his body overboard to prevent it from being captured by the British.
Q: What was Bartholomew Roberts’ impact on piracy in the Caribbean and West Africa?
A: Roberts’ success greatly influenced piracy in both the Caribbean and West Africa. His exploits contributed to the golden age of piracy, inspiring many others to take up the trade. His capture of numerous ships disrupted trade routes and caused significant economic damage to European colonial powers, leading to increased efforts to suppress piracy in these regions.
