Bartholomew Roberts: The Infamous Pirate King

Chapter 10: The Life and Legacy of Bartholomew Roberts

Who Was He?

Bartholomew Roberts, often referred to as “Black Bart,” was a notorious Welsh pirate who sailed the seas during the early 18th century, specifically from 1719 to 1722. Born in 1682 in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Roberts grew up in a maritime environment. Initially working aboard merchant ships, he gained invaluable seafaring skills that would prove essential in his later career as a pirate. His background equipped him with an understanding of navigation, ship handling, and the economic dynamics of the transatlantic trade, all of which he would utilize to his advantage.

How Did He Do What He Did?

Roberts’s rise to infamy began in 1719 when he was captured by pirates while working on a slave ship. Although initially reluctant to join their ranks, he soon embraced the lifestyle and became the captain of the pirates who had seized the vessel. He took command of the ship, renaming it the *Fortune*, and adopted piracy as his profession.

Roberts commanded a fleet of ships, notable for his ability to quickly adapt to changing maritime conditions. His keen sense of timing and location allowed him to successfully ambush ships at their most vulnerable moments. He would often strike during the early hours or at dusk, taking advantage of lower visibility. This tactical cunning, combined with his knowledge of ship construction and artillery, led to a remarkably high capture rate, consistently overwhelming adversaries much larger than his own crew.

What Was His Modus Operandi (MO)?

Bartholomew Roberts’s modus operandi was characterized by a well-defined strategy that set him apart from other pirates of his time. He adhered to a strict pirate code that included rules on the division of plunder, disciplinary measures for misbehavior, and social contracts among crew members. This code fostered a loyal crew, who respected his leadership despite the dangers of their profession. 

Roberts was also known for his charismatic negotiating skills—he was capable of convincing captured crew members to join him rather than suffer imprisonment or execution. He offered them the promise of wealth, adventure, and the semblance of freedom. 

In combat, Roberts employed tactics such as feigned retreat and the use of deception, often raising flags to mislead his targets into thinking they were safe or under pursuit by friendly forces. His ships were often equipped with a mix of stolen fleet artillery and standard naval cannons, enabling him to effectively engage in naval battles—expanding his arsenal through captured vessels.

Roberts also earned the respect of other pirates and privateers due to his charismatic leadership and formidable reputation, which helped him rally diverse crews from various backgrounds. His daring exploits and systematic approach allowed him to build a fearsome notoriety, leading to the title of the “Pirate King.”

What Became of Him?

Bartholomew Roberts’s pirating career came to a dramatic end on February 10, 1722, during a confrontation with a British naval ship off the coast of Gabon, Africa. In a fierce battle, Roberts was shot by a musket, leading to his death. His demise marked a significant turn in the Golden Age of Piracy, as it was a notable blow to the pirate community that was struggling against increasing naval enforcement.

Following his death, his crew attempted to continue their pirating ways but ultimately disbanded. The British Admiralty intensified its anti-piracy efforts, leading to the eventual decline of piracy in the Caribbean and Atlantic waters. 

Roberts’s legacy endures as one of the most successful pirates in history. His life story has become emblematic of the romanticized idea of piracy, and he has been portrayed in various works of literature, film, and popular culture. His audacious exploits on the high seas serve as a reminder of a bygone era, capturing the imagination of people worldwide. Today, Bartholomew Roberts remains a figure of intrigue and legend, representing the wild and lawless spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy and echoing the timeless allure of adventure on the open seas.