Post by Administrator on Feb 10, 2021 3:31:05 GMT
VIA: The History of Wales
On 10th February 1722, Black Bart (Barti Ddu) the pirate was killed by grapeshot.
Barti Ddu, born John Roberts in Little Newcastle, near Fishguard in about 1682, was one of the most successful and the last great pirate of the Golden Age of piracy.
Barti Ddu was responsible for the capture of over 400 ships and over 50 million pounds of loot during his career. He encouraged prayer, drank a lot of tea and forbade the drinking of alcohol and gambling. His preferred attire was rich crimson waistcoat and breeches, a hat with a red feather and a diamond cross hanging from his neck. His success was due to his organization, charisma and daring. He was also responsible for introducing the pirate code, which crew members had to swear on a Bible to uphold.
In 1719, while working as a third mate on the British slaver Princess, he was captured to be a forced hand by noted pirate Howell Davies and after Davies was killed he was elected captain by his fellow pirates. At the height of his power, he had a fleet of four ships and hundreds of pirates under his command. His legendary 30-month career then took him to the West Indies, New England, Newfoundland and Liberia, before coming to an end on February 10, 1722, when the warship HMS Swallow caught up with him off the coast of Cape Lopez (now Gabon) and he was killed by grapeshot. His crew threw his body overboard as he had requested.