What was the real name of the pirate known as Blackbeard?

The pirate known as Blackbeard was named Edward Teach, also recorded in some sources as Edward Thatch.

Teach became famous for his intimidating appearance and tactics. He reportedly wore a long black beard and tied lit fuses beneath his hat during combat, creating a smoke-filled image that frightened opponents before fighting began.

He served under Benjamin Hornigold before becoming an independent captain. In 1717, Teach captured the French ship La Concorde and renamed it Queen Anne’s Revenge. He later operated around the Caribbean and the coast of North America.

The spelling of his surname is not completely consistent in historical records. “Teach” is the form most commonly used in modern reference works, while “Thatch” appears in some contemporary or later accounts. These variants refer to the same pirate.