Aye,
a pirate he was born to be, when he was born in Wales on this day
in 1682. He be born John Roberts—an ordinary name, to be sure—and
he went to sea as a lawful sailor when he was but 13 years old. After
years of working for low wages, Roberts be kidnapped by pirates, and
they saw that he be a fine navigator. ('Twas monstrous important to navigate well, on the seas!) 'Tweren't long afore the pirate captain
that stole Roberts was killed, and Roberts was chosen as head
captain of th' pirates!
Now,
this Roberts took the name Bartholomew—me thinks that many a pirate
changed his name, mayhap to protect law-abiding kin back
home—and some people called him “Black Bart” (or Barti
Ddu in Welsh.)
Roberts
an' his scurvy mates did many a raid on ships off th' coasts
of America and West Africa. 'Tis strange to tell that Roberts, a pirate who was right
reluctant to even be a pirate, be the most successful pirate of th' whole Golden Age of Piracy. He took more'n 470 prizes (ships)
in his career!
By
th' way...
Roberts
be born in Casnewydd-Bach, which translates to "Little Newcastle."
For more on Welsh names, set
yer eyes on this earlier post.
Also
on this date:
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