What is it about pirates that captures our imagination and transports us to a world filled with adventure, danger, and the promise of untold riches? Is it the thrill of the open seas, the romance of the swashbuckling life, or perhaps the defiant spirit that pirates embodied during the Golden Age of Piracy? Our fascination with pirates often leads us to delve deeper into the lives and legends of infamous buccaneers. One such figure is Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, whose words have been remembered and celebrated throughout history.

In this article, we’ll turn our spyglass onto Bartholomew Roberts and his famous pirate quotes. These words give us insight into the mindset of one of the most successful pirates to sail the oceans. We’ll explore the significance of his words and how they reflect the broader themes of piracy during its golden age.

Who Was Bartholomew Roberts?

Bartholomew Roberts, born John Roberts in 1682 in Casnewydd-Bach, Wales, became one of the most notorious pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. Roberts was known for his flamboyance and strict code of conduct, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He turned to piracy after being captured by pirates in 1719, and he quickly rose to prominence due to his extraordinary success rate.

Roberts captured over 400 vessels within his short but prolific pirating career, making him one of the most successful pirates of all time. His reputation was not only due to his numerous conquests but also his leadership and commitment to discipline among his crew.

The Golden Age of Piracy

The Golden Age of Piracy spanned from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, a time when piracy flourished in the Caribbean, along the American coast, and the West African coast. This era is characterized by pirate legends such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny, alongside Bartholomew Roberts. It was a period marked by the struggle for power among the sea-faring European nations and the emergence of rebellious figures who defied laws and pursued a life of freedom on the high seas.

For pirates like Roberts, piracy was an opportunity for wealth, adventure, and rebellion against the inequalities present in the naval and colonial systems of the time. His words often reflected his personal motivations and views on the life he chose.

Famous Bartholomew Roberts Quotes and Their Significance

Bartholomew Roberts was known for his bold and insightful words which have been quoted extensively throughout history. Let’s break down some of his most famous sayings to understand the mindset behind the man and the era he lived in.

“A merry life and a short one shall be my motto.”

This famous quote reflects the acceptance of the inherent risk in the pirate life. Roberts was fully aware of the dangerous nature of his career and embraced it with vigor. Piracy was fraught with not just the risk of naval battles and skirmishes but also the constant threat of capture and execution. This quote encapsulates the pirate ethos—living life to the fullest in the face of danger, with the understanding that such a life may not be long.

“In an honest service, there is thin commons, low wages, and hard labor.”

With this statement, Roberts highlights the harsh conditions faced by sailors working for navies or merchant ships at the time. The allure of piracy often lay in the fact that it could offer more lucrative returns and, ironically, a form of democratic equality, despite its illegal nature. This quote captures the disillusionment many sailors felt with their lot in life and why they might be drawn to piracy despite its dangers.

“A good conscience is a continual feast.”

This lesser-known quote reveals Roberts’s philosophical side, emphasizing the importance he placed on integrity and moral satisfaction. Despite his life of piracy, Roberts believed in a certain code of conduct. He is known to have enforced this code among his crew, suggesting his belief in mutual respect and moral guidelines, even in a lawless profession.

The Pirate Code: Bartholomew Roberts and His Rules

Unlike the chaotic and often violent image of pirate crews perpetuated by popular culture, Bartholomew Roberts implemented a code of conduct aboard his ship. This set of rules, known as the Pirate Code, was enforced strictly and contributed to his success and feared reputation.

Key Aspects of Roberts’s Pirate Code

• Democratic Principles: Decisions on most matters, particularly regarding plunder, were taken collectively, with a vote among the crew.
• Fair Share of Booty: Each crew member received an equal share of the loot, fostering a sense of fairness and unity.
• Immediate Justice: He maintained discipline with severe penalties for disobedience or mutiny, ensuring a cohesive and efficient crew.
• No Tolerance for Desertion: Leaving the ship or stealing from fellow pirates was met with heavy punishment.

Roberts’s ability to maintain order and loyalty among his crew through these principles was impressive and contributed to his effectiveness as a pirate leader.

The End of an Era: Roberts’s Final Battle

The pirate’s life was always precarious, and for Bartholomew Roberts, it ended in February 1722 during an encounter with the Royal Navy frigate HMS Swallow off the coast of present-day Gabon. During the battle, Roberts was killed by grapeshot. His death marked a significant turning point in the war against piracy, as Roberts’s formidable presence had kept many naval forces at bay.

The Impact of His Death

• Decline in Pirate Numbers: Following his death, many pirates lost heart, leading to a decline in piracy.
• Rational Fear: His death instilled fear within pirate ranks, as it highlighted the mortality and vulnerability of even the most successful pirates.
• Increased Naval Crackdowns: Encouraged by Roberts’s demise, naval forces intensified efforts to stamp out piracy, reducing their numbers further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Bartholomew Roberts such a successful pirate?

Bartholomew Roberts’s success can be attributed to his leadership skills, commitment to discipline, and strategic prowess. His strict enforcement of a pirate code ensured order and fairness, while his courage and willingness to face challenging situations earned him victories and a legendary status.

How did Bartholomew Roberts influence pirate culture?

Roberts influenced pirate culture through his implementation of a pirate code, promoting a sense of democracy, equality, and order among his crew. His success and principles contributed to the romanticized and adventurous image of pirates that persists today.

Was Bartholomew Roberts’s pirate code similar to others?

While many pirates adapted some form of a code of conduct to suit their needs, Roberts’s code was particularly structured and democratic. It reflected his desire for fairness and mutual respect, setting his crew apart from many others of the time.

Why did Bartholomew Roberts take to piracy?

Initially a sailor, Roberts turned to piracy after being captured by pirates. He likely found the potential for wealth, democratic decision-making, and the rejection of an unjust system more appealing than his previous life.

What was the significance of Bartholomew Roberts’s demise?

Roberts’s death marked a turning point in the fight against piracy, signaling the end of a period where pirates like him ruled the seas with relative impunity. His loss diminished pirate morale and paved the way for increased naval campaigns against piracy.

Concluding Thoughts

Bartholomew Roberts, a towering figure in the annals of piracy, epitomized the audacity and adventurous spirit of pirates during the Golden Age. His famous quotes and pirate code offer us a glimpse into the life and values of a pirate who pursued his path with determination and zeal. Through his words and actions, Roberts demonstrated both the allure and the peril of the pirate life. Though the era of piracy as he knew it has long since passed, the legacy of Bartholomew Roberts remains alive in the stories that continue to capture our imagination. Perhaps you’ve discovered a new appreciation for these marauders of the sea and their indelible impact on history.