Blackbeard the Pirate

Edward Teach nicknamed “Blackbeard” for his large black beard was probably one of the most feared and despised pirates of all time.  He tied up his beard with black ribbons, and to strike terror in the hearts of his enemies he would weave hemp into his hair, and light it on fire during battle.  Blackbeard’s flag had a skeleton with a raised hour glass in one hand and a spear in the other.  The spear head pointed to a bleeding heart.   

Edward Teach joined the crew of pirate Benjamine Hornigold, and in 1716 had a small crew and captured ship to command.  By 1717 Hornigold and Teach were sailing as partners, and together were feared throughout the entire region.  Hornigold accepted amnesty form the British Crown and retired.  Teach rejected the offer of amnesty and converted the captured French Vessel Concorde into his flagship.  The ship now had 40 guns, and he re-named her the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

On November 22, 1718, Blackbeard met his demise.  In a battle with Royal Navy sailors, Blackbeard was beheaded and his head hung from the ships rigging.  The remainder 13 members of his crew were hanged in Williamsburg.

More information about Blackbeard, ship names and battle tactics are available in the great sources listed below.  Arrgh!

Sources:

www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_edward_teach_blackbeard_534.asp, Copyright © 1996-2008 Krzysztof Wilczynski, All rights reserved.

The History of Pirates by Angus Konstam, The Lyons Press 1999, 2002

www.piratesinfo.com/cpi_Blackbeard’s_Last_Stand_535.asp, by Jerry Hill July 8, 2006

The Pirate Dictionary by Terry Breverton, Pelican Publishing Company, 2004