Bartholemew Roberts
From Ffaith
Bartholomew Roberts born John Robert (May 17, 1682 - February 10, 1722), also known as Black Bart (Barti Ddu), was one of the most notorious and most successful pirates in history. He was born in Casnewydd-Bach, (Little Newcastle), some 5 miles from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
His pirating career started at age 37, when he shipped as third mate aboard the slave ship Princess of London, which was captured by pirate captain Hywel Davis at Anomabu on the Gold Coast of West Africa (present-day Ghana). Within six weeks of his capture, Roberts, a tall, dark-haired man, was elected captain of the pirate ship Rover, following the death of Captain Davis at Isle of Princes (now El PrÃncipe). In his career Roberts captured some 456 vessels, and has been credited with the design of the famous Skull and Crossbones flag, now synonimous with piracy.
Black Bart was killed aboard his flagship the Royal Fortune in February, 1722 off Cape Lopez, Gabon by grapeshot cannon fire, which struck him in the throat, while in battle with Captain Chaloner Ogle's company of HMS Swallow; a man-of-war sent to West Africa, specifically to capture and arrest pirates. Before his body could be captured by Ogle, Roberts' wish to be buried at sea was fulfilled by his crew, who threw his body overboard.