Barti Ddu

Bartholomew Roberts was born in Little Newcastle, Pembrokeshire in 1682.

He was baptised John Roberts but he took the name Bartholomew when he became a pirate; his Welsh name

is ‘Barti Ddu’.

In 1719, he was on a slave ship called Princess when it was seized by Hywel Davies, a well-known pirate. He joined the pirates and, six weeks later, ‘Barti Ddu’ had earned enough respect and authority to be elected captain of the

ship.

Over the next four years, ‘Barti Ddu’ became the most successful pirate in history. He sailed from Brazil to Newfoundland before sailing back to the Caribbean. He captured a French warship, which contained 52 guns. This

became his main ship and he gave it the name Royal Fortune.

By 1721, his activities in the Caribbean Sea nearly brought trade to a halt. He had seized many ships despite several naval vessels searching for him. ‘Barti Ddu’ survived longer than any other pirate captain at that time.

In 1721, the pirates changed ship and used the Sea King instead. This ship was renamed Royal Fortune shortly afterwards.

Roberts and his crew continued to rob and steal. However in February 1722, the Royal Fortune came face to face with a British warship called HMS

Swallow. Most of the crew were sick because they had celebrated capturing a vessel the night before. ‘Barti Ddu’ was caught in a trap between HMS

Swallow and the shore. ‘Barti Ddu’ died early in the battle; the crew threw his body overboard.