Bartholomew Roberts

Bartholomew Roberts, commonly known as 'Black Bart' (1682-1722), was a Welsh pirate and privateer who became one of the most formidable and successful pirate captains during the Golden Age of Piracy. Born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Roberts initially worked as a merchant sailor before being captured by pirates and impressed into service. He rapidly rose through the ranks due to his strategic brilliance and commanding presence, eventually becoming captain of his own vessel. Over his six-year piracy career, Roberts captured and plundered over 400 ships, amassing substantial wealth and maintaining strict codes of conduct that earned him respect among his crews. He was known for his distinctive appearance, often depicted wearing fine clothing and red feathers, and his implementation of written pirate codes that governed ship operations and crew conduct. Roberts operated across multiple continents, terrorizing merchant vessels from the Atlantic to the African coast. His reign ended in 1722 when he was captured and executed by the British Navy, becoming a legendary figure in pirate lore and popular culture.