Bartholomew Roberts

Bartholomew Roberts (c. 1682 - February 10, 1722), aka Black Bart, was one of the most notorious pirates of his day. Born at Casnewydd-Bach [Little Newcastle] near Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, he is believed to have led the most successful pirate career in history, having captured several hundred vessels, as many as twenty-two at one time, over a period of just two years. At age 37, he shipped as second mate aboard the slave ship Princess which was taken by pirate captain Howel Davis at Anomabu on the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana) in February, 1720. Within six weeks of his capture, Roberts, a tall, black man, was elected captain of the pirate ship Rover, following the demise of captain Davis at the island of PrÃÂÃÂncipe.

His career as pirate captain abruptly ended in February, 1722 off Cape Lopez, Gabon when he was killed aboard his flagship the Royal Fortune by a cannon fire of grapeshot which struck him in the neck while battling captain Chaloner Ogle's company of HMS Swallow, a man of war sent to West Africa to capture and arrest pirates. Before his body could be taken by Ogle, Roberts' wishes of being buried at sea were carried out by his company by throwing his body overboard.

Roberts was not an ordinary pirate, though. Here are some unique things about him

He was always dressed well
Had excellent manners
Did not share his cabin with anyone
Did not drink alcohol
Had an excellent handwriting
Was always clean-shaven
Liked classical music and had an on-board musicians
And, as mentioned above had a standing order to be thrown into the sea if dead

As a result, some historians think Bartholomew Roberts might have been a woman.

References

Defoe, Daniel (1724). A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates (1999 ed.). New York: Carroll & Graf. ISBN 0-7867-0622-8.