Blackbeard

NAME: Blackbeard (Edward Teach or Thatch)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Infamous pirate known for his fearsome appearance, ruthless tactics, and exploits as a pirate captain during the Golden Age of Piracy.

BIRTH: The exact date and place of Blackbeard's birth are uncertain, but it is believed he was born around 1680 in Bristol, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Little is known about Blackbeard's family background, but it is speculated that he may have come from a middle-class family in England.

CHILDHOOD: Blackbeard's early life and childhood remain shrouded in mystery, with few details available about his upbringing.

EDUCATION: It is unlikely that Blackbeard received a formal education, as he is believed to have started his career as a sailor at a young age.

CAREER RECORD: In 1716, Blackbeard signed on as a lowly deckhand with Captain Benjamin Hornigold, a pirate who operated out of New Providence like a Caribbean timeshare gone rogue. Blackbeard, however, was a quick study in the art of swashbuckling and skullduggery. He rose through the ranks faster than a parrot with a head cold, earning a fearsome reputation for, well, being rather fearsome. Blackbeard became one of the most notorious pirates of the Caribbean, terrorizing ships and coastal communities with his crew. He captured numerous vessels and amassed a fortune in stolen goods. Here's his resume;

Operated throughout the Caribbean and the American colonies from 1716 to 1718.

Captured several ships and amassed a significant amount of plunder.

Blockaded the port of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1718.

APPEARANCE: Blackbeard was described as a large man with a thick black beard, which is where his nickname originated. He had an imposing and intimidating appearance, often adorned with weapons and accessories to enhance his fearsome image.

Blackbeard the Pirate by Joseph Nicholls (fl. 1726–55) 

FASHION: Blackbeard dressed in typical pirate attire of the era, likely including loose breeches and a long coat, and a hat. He favored extravagant clothing and accessories, often wearing rich fabrics, jewelry, and ostentatious hats adorned with feathers and other decorations.

CHARACTER: Blackbeard was characterized by his ruthlessness, cunning, and fearlessness in battle. He struck terror into the hearts of his enemies and was known for his brutal tactics.

Some historians paint Blackbeard as a bloodthirsty monster who reveled in violence. Others argue he was more nuanced, using brutality only when absolutely necessary.

There's evidence for both sides. Blackbeard's fearsome appearance was part of his act, a way to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies (and probably his barber). But there are also stories of him showing surprising mercy, even letting captured crews keep their belongings and giving them supplies. Maybe he was just a softie at heart, or maybe he just knew a happy crew was a more productive crew.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While Blackbeard was not known for his sense of humor, he was said to have a charismatic and persuasive personality that allowed him to command the loyalty of his crew.

RELATIONSHIPS: Blackbeard had numerous relationships with fellow pirates, crew members, and allies throughout his career. He was also rumored to have multiple wives and mistresses.

MONEY AND FAME: Blackbeard amassed a considerable fortune through piracy, plundering ships and coastal towns for treasure and valuable goods. His exploits made him one of the most feared and infamous pirates of his time.

FOOD AND DRINK: As a pirate, Blackbeard likely ate and drank the typical fare of sailors of the era, including hard tack, salted meat, rum, and ale.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While Blackbeard's life was filled with adventure and excitement, there is little evidence to suggest he had a particular interest in music or the arts.

LITERATURE: Blackbeard's life and exploits have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and other forms of popular culture, cementing his place in pirate lore.

NATURE: Blackbeard spent much of his life at sea, navigating the treacherous waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean in search of treasure and adventure.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Blackbeard and his crew would lock themselves in the hold of the ship and light pots of sulphur to see who could last the longest without suffocating.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Blackbeard needed a basic understanding of navigation and sailing.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Blackbeard's beliefs and philosophies are largely unknown, but his actions suggest a pragmatic and self-interested approach to life.

SCANDAL: Blackbeard's life was filled with scandal and controversy, as he was responsible for countless acts of piracy, violence, and plunder.

In November 1717. Blackbeard, by now a rising star in the pirate world, snagged a French slave ship, the La Concorde. Now, this wasn't your average Tuesday afternoon carjacking. This was a heavily-armed merchant vessel, the kind that could hold its own in a good old-fashioned sea brawl. Blackbeard, ever the pragmatist (or maybe just a sucker for a good cannon), saw potential. He gussied up the La Concorde, adding enough firepower to make even a Spanish galleon nervous, and christened her the Queen Anne's Revenge – not exactly a name that inspires warm fuzzies. This became Blackbeard's mobile base of operations, a pirate palace on the high seas.

Here's the twist: when Blackbeard captured the La Concorde, there were hundreds of enslaved Africans on board. Now, piracy wasn't exactly a career path known for its stellar employee benefits, but for many of these folks, it sure beat the alternative. Quite a few of them chose to join Blackbeard's crew, trading the shackles of slavery for the slightly looser shackles of piratical life. By the time Blackbeard met his watery demise, his crew was nearly a third former slaves – a fact that tends to get glossed over in all those Johnny Depp movies.

With the Queen Anne's Revenge as his fearsome chariot, Blackbeard became a legend in his own Jolly Roger.  He wasn't just good, he was ruthless, terrorizing merchant ships and coastal towns from the Caribbean all the way up the American coast. He even managed to pull off a real estate coup, blockading the port of Charles Town, South Carolina, with a motley crew of pirates. After a good old-fashioned ransoming (because, pirates!), he settled down for a bit in a place called Bath Town. It didn't last. The call of the open ocean, or maybe just the realization that his neighbors probably weren't thrilled about having a notorious pirate living down the street, lured Blackbeard back to his swashbuckling ways.

MILITARY RECORD: Blackbeard wasn't a military man in the traditional sense, but his entire career revolved around armed conflict. Here's a breakdown of his piratical exploits:

Early Days He served on privateer ships during Queen Anne's War. He honed his combat skills and leadership during this period, participating in raids and ship captures.

Captain Blackbeard (1717-1718): After taking command of his own ship, Blackbeard established himself as a ruthless pirate. He engaged in numerous battles against merchant vessels and even some fortifications. His most notable victory was the capture of the French slave ship La Concorde, which he renamed Queen Anne's Revenge and turned into his fearsome flagship.

The Blockade of Charles Town (1718): Blackbeard's most audacious act was blockading the port of Charles Town, South Carolina. He held the city hostage for weeks, demanding medical supplies and safe passage. While he eventually left without major bloodshed, the incident cemented his reputation as a formidable pirate.

Blackbeard would go into battle with anywhere from six to ten pistols on his person, and multiple blades. His fighting style with a cutlass was meant to be intimidating as well as effective.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Despite the rigors of life at sea, Blackbeard was known for his robust health and physical prowess, which served him well in battle.

HOMES: Blackbeard never had a permanent home. His life was spent on the move, constantly seeking plunder and evading capture. His primary residence was his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. This heavily armed vessel served as his base of operations, housing his crew and storing his loot. After Blackbeard ran the ship aground near North Carolina, he abandoned it and moved to a small island for a brief period before his final confrontation.

TRAVEL: Blackbeard's piratical career was defined by his extensive travels. He operated primarily in the Caribbean Sea and along the eastern coast of North America, from the Bahamas to the Carolinas. His travels were dictated by opportunities for plunder and the need to stay ahead of authorities. He likely visited numerous ports and islands, encountering a diverse range of people and cultures during his pirating days.

DEATH: Blackbeard's death was as dramatic as his life. On November 22, 1718, Lieutenant Maynard's forces surprised Blackbeard on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina. A brutal fight ensued, and Blackbeard is reported to have taken multiple cutlass wounds and gunshots before finally being subdued. His head was later displayed as a warning to other pirates.

Capture of the Pirate, Blackbeard, 1718, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, painted in 1920

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Blackbeard's infamy has transcended the centuries. He remains one of the most recognizable pirates in popular culture. Here are some examples of his appearances in media:

Literature: Blackbeard features in countless pirate novels and historical fiction works, often portrayed as a larger-than-life villain.

Film and Television: From swashbuckling classics to modern-day action films, Blackbeard has been a popular character on the big and small screens.

Video Games: Blackbeard is a playable character or antagonist in several video games, adding to his enduring appeal in the digital age.

ACHIEVEMENTS: While Blackbeard's actions were often ruthless and violent, his legacy as one of history's most notorious pirates has left an indelible mark on popular culture and pirate lore.