Which pirate became famous as Black Bart?

Bartholomew Roberts was the pirate widely known as Black Bart.

Born John Roberts in Wales, he became a pirate captain after joining the crew of Howell Davis in 1719. Roberts took command after Davis was killed and adopted the name Bartholomew Roberts, probably to distinguish himself from another crew member named John Roberts.

Roberts captured hundreds of vessels during a career lasting only a few years. His success came from bold tactics, fast ships, and operations across the Atlantic and along the coasts of West Africa and Brazil. He is often described as the most successful pirate of the Golden Age when success is measured by the number of prizes taken.

Roberts was killed in February 1722 during a battle with the Royal Navy ship HMS Swallow off West Africa. His death is often treated as a symbolic end to the Golden Age’s most active period. “Black Bart” is a later popular nickname, not his formal name.