Bartholomew Roberts, also known as “Black Bart,” was a renowned pirate captain who lived in the late 17th century. He is considered one of the most successful and feared pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. Roberts was born in Wales around 1682 and began his piratical career in the early 18th century. He gained notoriety for his audacious raids on ships and his strict code of conduct among his crew, which included a set of rules known as the “Articles of Bartholomew Roberts.”
Roberts’ flag featured a skeleton holding an hourglass and a dart, symbolizing the inevitability of death. He captured over 400 ships during his piracy career, making him one of the most successful pirates in history. His audacious attacks and his ability to evade capture for a long time earned him the nickname “Black Bart.”
Sadly, Bartholomew Roberts’ piracy career came to an end when he was killed in battle by the Royal Navy in 1722. His legacy continues to live on in pirate lore and history. The famous pirate was defeated and died in a battle against an English captain, Chaloner Ogle.