Black Bart

At a Glance

• Given name: Bartholomew Roberts
• Born: 1682
• Died: 1772
• Active period: 1682-1772

A Welsh pirate who commanded several ships, including the Fortune, off the coasts of West Africa and the Americas. He was originally pressed into piracy and accepted nomination of Commander even as he openly expressed his disapproval. Roberts is known for upholding pirate governing articles that he and his crew constructed. One article outlined punishment by death or marooning for a crew member’s involvement in rape of a woman. Unlike most pirates, Roberts preferred drinking tea over rum.