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Introduction:
When it comes to pirates and their notorious crews, the names of infamous captains like Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Bartholomew Roberts come to mind. However, there is one pirate captain whose crew is not as well-known: Bartholomew Roberts, or better known as Black Bart. This Welsh pirate was one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy and led a crew that struck fear into the hearts of many. But what was Black Bart’s pirate crew called? In this blog post, we will explore the history of Black Bart’s crew and uncover the name they were known by.
The Rise of Black Bart and His Crew:
Bartholomew Roberts began his pirate career in 1719, joining the crew of Captain Howell Davis. After Davis was killed in an ambush, Roberts was elected captain by the crew. Under his leadership, the crew was able to capture many ships and amassed a great fortune in treasure. They even managed to capture a French ship carrying a large amount of gold, silver, and ivory. With this success, Roberts and his crew began to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean.
The Naming of the Crew:
As the crew’s reputation grew, they became known by a few different names, including the Roberts’ Pirates and the Black Flag. However, the name that they were most commonly
known by was the “Royal Fortune” crew. This name was given to them after they captured a French slave ship called La Fortune, which Roberts then renamed to the Royal Fortune. The crew would often fly the Jolly Roger, a black flag with a white skull and crossed swords, to strike fear into their enemies. They were also known for their distinct dress, which included red waistcoats and breeches, and hats with white feathers.
Life on Board the Royal Fortune:
Life on board the Royal Fortune was not for the faint of heart. The crew operated under strict rules and codes of conduct. For example, any member caught stealing from another crew member would be punished by having their ears cut off. Mutiny was also not tolerated, and any crew member found guilty of mutiny would be marooned on a deserted island. Despite these harsh punishments, the crew was known for its loyalty to Black Bart and their commitment to their cause.
The crew was also known for their love of music and would often spend their downtime singing and playing instruments. Roberts himself was a skilled musician and could play the violin and harp. The crew’s love of music was reflected in their flag, which featured an hourglass with wings, a symbol of the fleeting nature of life, accompanied by the motto “A merry life and a short one.”
The End of the Royal Fortune Crew:
The success of the Royal Fortune crew was short-lived. In February 1722, while anchored off the coast of West Africa, they were ambushed by two British warships. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Roberts and many of his crew were killed in the battle. The Royal Fortune was captured and destroyed, bringing an end to one of the most notorious pirate crews of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the crew of Black Bart, one of the most successful and feared pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy, was known as the Royal Fortune crew. This name was given to them after they captured a French slave ship and renamed it the Royal Fortune. The crew was known for their strict codes of conduct, love of music, and loyalty to Black Bart. Despite their success, the crew’s reign came to an end with their defeat at the hands of British warships. The legacy of the Royal Fortune crew lives on, however, as a reminder of the exciting and dangerous era of piracy that they were a part of.
