Bartholomew Roberts
The fearsome 'Black Bart,' a pirate captain whose strict code and ruthless efficiency made him the gold standard of the Golden Age.
1682–1722 (age 40)·Welsh pirate·Birthday: May 17
Biography
Bartholomew Roberts began his life at sea not as a rebel, but as a legitimate sailor on a merchant ship. His world turned when his vessel was captured by pirates off the coast of West Africa in 1719. The pirates' captain saw his navigational skill and forced him into service. Roberts, however, discovered a talent for the trade and a taste for its freedoms. After the captain's death, he was elected leader and embarked on a breathtaking three-year reign of terror across the Atlantic. He was a stark contrast to the drunken pirate stereotype: a teetotaler who dressed in fine silks and velvet, discouraged gambling on his ships, and demanded discipline under his famous 'Pirate Code.' His flag—a figure of himself standing on two skulls—signaled his deadly intent. Roberts captured hundreds of ships from Newfoundland to Brazil to the African coast, becoming the most successful pirate of his era by volume. His career ended in a violent, surprise attack by the British Royal Navy off the coast of Gabon, where he was killed by grapeshot. His death marked a symbolic end to the Golden Age of Piracy.
#1 When Bartholomew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1682
Bartholomew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1682Born
1687Started school
1695Became a teenager
1698Could drive
1700Could vote
1703Turned 21
1712Turned 30
1722Turned 40
Key Achievements
- Captured over 400 vessels in a three-year period, a record unequaled during the Golden Age of Piracy.
- Authored one of the most detailed and enforced sets of pirate articles, governing division of loot and conduct.
- Successfully raided the heavily fortified harbor of Trepassey, Newfoundland, capturing the entire fishing fleet at anchor.
- His death in battle in 1722 was a major victory for the authorities and helped suppress Atlantic piracy.
Did You Know?
He was originally named John Roberts; 'Bartholomew' was likely a pirate alias.
He hated drunkenness among his crew and preferred drinking tea.
He was known for his flamboyant dress, often wearing a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches.
He initially resisted becoming a pirate captain, but accepted the vote of his crewmates.
“A merry life and a short one shall be my motto.”
