Fact or Fable
Let us consider the actual facts of this Era of the “Golden Age of Piracy.”
There are many fables or legends that exist even till this day concerning the mind set of Pirates. Shall we examine the facts?
1) Cruel Punishment:
a) Throughout folklore we have learned that “Walking the Plank”
was a punishment used by Pirates. There was only one actual case of this practice used among Pirates. Punishments that were used included being thrown overboard,
being tied to a mask and beaten.
b) On the contrary when Pirates were punished
by the British or Pirates were hung and their corpses hung by chains, encased in a metal crypt so their bodies could be displayed while they decayed.
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Statue of Blackbeard at St. Thomas |
2) Outlaws:
a) In 1702 Britain was at War with Spain and France. Privateers,
like Blackbeard captured ships for the Crown. Privateers were skilled navigators and they knew how to fight.
b) When war ended 11 years later some Privateers, now Pirates,
refused to settle down. They dreamed of a life of riches.
c) King Henry III in 1243 issued the first marquee to give so to
say, a “Pirate License.” He called them “Private Men of War” hence “Privateers.” These privateers got a part of the booty, so many Pirates were not “Outlaws,
but sanctioned as government “Patriots.” When the Governor of Virginia found out this law he, Governor Spotsworth ignored the law and did not make this law public.
3) Treasure:
a) Pirates reveled in finding treasures like gold, silver, and jewels,
but the also prized everyday necessities such as sails, sugars, anchors and rum. Medicine was especially important to pirates.
b) During one scenario Blackbeard held the port of Charleston, South
Carolina hostage as medicine was pursued by his crew.
4) Food and Spirits:
a) Buccaneers, name for Adirondack Indians as smokehouses invented the
cutlet to butcher meat.
b) Pirates ate well on land, but food was scarce on long voyages. It has been
documented that one Group of Pirates at their leather satchels to avoid death from starvation at sea.
5) Pirate Flags:
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Blackbeard's Flag |
a) Also called the “Jolly Roger” these flags were used as a source of identity and
as intimidation.
b) Blackbeards Flag showed a Devil Skeleton holding a Spear, hourglass and Bleeding heart.
The hour glass symbolized that time was running out. Blackbeard, after designing his Jolly Roger was quoted as saying, “Run up the flag and show them the new face of Revenge.”
6) Female Pirates:
a) This act was dangerous on Pirate Ships.
b) Girls went to Seas posed as boys, but if discovered they would be lucky to escape
with their lives.
c) Mary Reeves and Ann Bonny, but the most infamous
Alvivlda, went to Seas with an all women crew to escape having to marry a Danish Prince.
d) They had to swear to dress like men.
You may be wondering why “Blackbeard” is appearing on this site. The reason is that
Blackbeard’s hideout was near and around the Ocracoke Island in its many Inlets. Also, Blackbeard, was captured and killed in the waters near Ocracoke. There will be more on this
subject later.
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A Ship Resembling Blackbeard's First Ship, Namely "Sloop Revenge" |
Blackbeard’s reign and rise to fame took place during the “Golden Age of Piracy,”
which took place immediately after Britain’s War with France and Spain. The “Golden Age of Piracy has been described as a “Reign of Terror” that lasted 2 years. During these 2 years
Blackbeard took over 40 vessels through intimidation tactics, or brut force when intimidation failed.
Please remember two things about Blackbeard: he stood for “REVENGE” of less fortunate
Pirates who were hunted down and killed by the Government of Virginia in the “New World,” and he “wanted to be remembered.” The remaining section on Blackbeard will report his part
and actions taken during the “Golden Age of Piracy.”
