Ancient maps unveil the truth behind the notorious fat pirate and buried treasure

The legend of the “fat pirate,” Bartholomew “Barty” Roberts, remains a fascinating, if somewhat obscured, chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy. Unlike the traditional image of a lean, agile buccaneer, Roberts was renowned for his opulent lifestyle and considerable girth, characteristics that set him apart from his contemporaries. While many pirates focused solely on the practicalities of plunder, Barty Roberts cultivated a persona of a gentleman pirate, favoring fine clothing, lavish feasts, and a boisterous, convivial atmosphere aboard his ships. The stories surrounding his buried treasure have fueled speculation and countless expeditions, making him a prominent figure in maritime lore.

Roberts’ career, though relatively short, was exceptionally successful. He captured hundreds of ships, amassing a formidable fortune, and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most feared and successful pirates operating in the Atlantic and Caribbean. His story is not merely about riches and daring raids, but also about the complexities of piracy as a social and economic phenomenon. Examining his life offers a unique glimpse into the motivations, customs, and ultimate fate of those who chose a life outside the law during a turbulent period of history. The allure of hidden gold remains strong, and the search for Barty Roberts’ remaining hauls continues to tantalize treasure hunters today.

The Early Life and Rise of Bartholomew Roberts

Born in Wales around 1682, Bartholomew Roberts began his seafaring career as a reluctant member of the merchant navy. Initially, he showed no particular inclination towards the life of a pirate. However, a turning point arrived in 1719 when his ship, the Princess, was captured by the pirate ship Royal Fortune, captained by Howell Davis. Rather than being killed or pressed into service, Roberts was offered a position aboard the pirate vessel, which he surprisingly accepted. This decision marked a radical shift in his life, propelling him from a common sailor to a notorious pirate captain within a year. He quickly adapted to the pirate lifestyle, demonstrating a natural talent for leadership and a ruthless efficiency in capturing prizes.

Davis’s sudden death in 1719 thrust Roberts into the captaincy of the Royal Fortune. His rise was swift and unexpected, fueled by his ability to inspire loyalty and maintain discipline among his crew. He quickly adopted the persona of a flamboyant, almost aristocratic, pirate. He insisted on wearing rich clothing, hosting elaborate dinners, and making a show of his wealth. This contrasted sharply with the more austere and pragmatic approaches of some of his rivals. Roberts’ success wasn’t just about brute force; he understood the importance of morale and instilled a sense of camaraderie among his men. He was known to participate in festivities alongside his crew, drinking and gambling with them, fostering a loyalty that was crucial to his continued success.

The Pirate Code and Roberts' Command

Roberts was a staunch believer in the pirate code, a set of articles that governed conduct aboard pirate ships. This code, while varying from crew to crew, generally emphasized equality, discipline, and a fair distribution of plunder. Roberts, however, added his own unique spin to the code, emphasizing a strict adherence to rules regarding gambling and the treatment of prisoners. He reportedly had a strong dislike for cheating at cards and dealt with offenders harshly. His code wasn’t aimed at morality, but at maintaining order and maximizing efficiency of his crew. A chaotic ship, in his view, was a less profitable ship.

His command was characterized by a swift and decisive manner. Roberts was a skilled tactician, and employed innovative strategies in naval combat. He preferred to engage ships at close quarters, utilizing superior firepower and boarding tactics. He also understood the importance of intelligence gathering, relying on spies and informants to locate potential targets. This combination of discipline, tactical acumen, and a degree of showmanship made him a formidable opponent and a highly successful pirate captain.

Ship	Captain	Years Active	Notable Raids
Royal Fortune	Bartholomew Roberts	1719-1722	Numerous captures in the Caribbean and Atlantic
Great Ranger	Howell Davis (previously)	1719	Raids along the Brazilian Coast
Fortune	Benjamin Hornigold (previously)	1718-1719	Attacks on shipping lanes near the Bahamas

The table above provides a glimpse into the ships and captains associated with Roberts' rise to power. Understanding the context of these vessels and commanders is critical to studying the full scope of his influence.

Roberts’ Operational Range and Tactics

Bartholomew Roberts’ piratical endeavors extended across a vast geographical area, primarily focusing on the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean Sea, and the waters off the coast of Africa. He wasn’t confined to a single region but actively sought out opportunities wherever they presented themselves. This expansive operational range was facilitated by the maneuverability and speed of his flagship, the Royal Fortune, a sizable vessel well-equipped for both pursuit and evasion. He demonstrated a particular fondness for targeting ships involved in the slave trade, often freeing the enslaved individuals onboard, a practice which, while uncommon, distinguished him from many other pirates of the era.

Roberts’ tactics were often bold and aggressive. He favored surprise attacks, utilizing speed and stealth to close the distance with unsuspecting merchant vessels. Once engaged, he would typically attempt to disable the enemy ship with a broadside barrage before closing in for a boarding action. His crew, well-trained and highly motivated, were adept at close-quarters combat, overwhelming the opposition with their numbers and ferocity. He showed a willingness to take risks, often engaging ships of superior size and armament, relying on his crew’s skill and determination to secure victory. This willingness to engage in dangerous encounters fueled his reputation and contributed to his rapid accumulation of wealth.

The Significance of the Royal Fortune

The Royal Fortune was not simply a vessel; it was a symbol of Roberts’ power and prestige. Originally a French merchant ship, it was captured and converted into a formidable pirate ship under Howell Davis and then inherited by Roberts. He took great pride in maintaining the ship’s upkeep, regularly repairing and upgrading its armaments. The Royal Fortune was notably well-equipped with cannons, and its sheer size intimidated many potential targets. It served as a mobile base of operations for Roberts and his crew, allowing them to roam the seas and plunder at will. The ship was more than just a war machine; it was a floating fortress, a testament to Roberts’ ambition and success.

The Royal Fortune played a significant part in building Roberts’ legend. Many accounts describe the ship’s imposing appearance, often adorned with pirate flags and banners. The very sight of the Royal Fortune on the horizon was enough to send shivers down the spines of sailors and merchants, knowing the fate that awaited those who failed to surrender. The ship became synonymous with Roberts’ name, and its capture ultimately marked the end of his piratical career.

• Roberts' fleet attacked ships near Newfoundland and as far south as Brazil.
• He often targeted vessels laden with valuable cargo, such as sugar, tobacco, and gold.
• Roberts had a reputation for treating his prisoners, particularly those who surrendered quickly, with relative leniency.
• He frequently used smaller, faster sloops to scout ahead and identify potential targets.
• His crew was notably diverse, comprising sailors from various nations and backgrounds.

These points highlight the scope of Roberts’ operations and reveal details regarding his crew’s methodology and interactions with those they encountered.

The Pursuit and Demise of the Fat Pirate

By 1722, Bartholomew Roberts’ exploits had attracted the attention of the Royal Navy, who dispatched Captain Chaloner Ogle in HMS Swallow to hunt him down. Ogle was a seasoned naval officer, determined to rid the Caribbean of the pirate menace. He employed a network of informants and meticulously tracked Roberts’ movements, gathering intelligence on his whereabouts and plans. The pursuit was a relentless cat-and-mouse game, with Roberts constantly attempting to evade Ogle’s grasp. However, Ogle’s determination and the Royal Navy’s superior resources eventually proved decisive.

The final confrontation took place off the coast of Cape Lopez in Africa. Roberts, aboard his flagship, the Royal Fortune, was ambushed by HMS Swallow. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Roberts initially fought with his characteristic ferocity. He rallied his crew, determined to defend his ship to the last. However, a stray cannonball struck Roberts on the throat, killing him instantly. His death shattered the pirates’ morale, and they quickly surrendered to the Royal Navy. The capture of Roberts and the Royal Fortune marked a significant victory for the Royal Navy and signaled a decline in the Golden Age of Piracy. The aftermath of the battle led to the imprisonment and trial of many of Roberts’ crew, with several being hanged for their crimes.

Aftermath and the Fate of the Treasure

Following Roberts’ death, his crew was brought to trial in Cape Coast Castle, Ghana. Many were found guilty of piracy and sentenced to death by hanging. Others were sold into slavery. The Royal Fortune was seized by the Royal Navy and taken back to England as a prize. A significant amount of plunder was recovered from the ship, including gold, silver, and valuable merchandise. This treasure was divided among the officers and crew of HMS Swallow as a reward for their service.

The fate of Roberts’ personal treasure remains a mystery to this day. While significant amounts of loot were recovered from the Royal Fortune, rumors persist that Roberts had hidden substantial wealth in various locations throughout the Caribbean and along the African coast. Countless expeditions have been launched over the centuries in search of his buried treasure, yet none have been successful in uncovering a significant cache of gold. This has only served to fuel the legend of the “fat pirate” and add to the enduring allure of his hidden riches.

1. Bartholomew Roberts began his career as a merchant sailor before turning to piracy.
2. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a highly successful pirate captain.
3. His flagship, the Royal Fortune, was a formidable vessel that instilled fear in his enemies.
4. Captain Chaloner Ogle of the Royal Navy ultimately brought an end to Roberts’ career.
5. The whereabouts of his hidden treasure remain unknown, adding to the intrigue surrounding his legacy.

These steps outline the key events in the life and career of Bartholomew Roberts, providing a useful timeline for understanding his impact on history.

The Enduring Legacy and Myth of Bartholomew Roberts

Bartholomew Roberts, despite his relatively short career, left an indelible mark on the history of piracy. He embodies the complex paradox of the pirate figure—a blend of brutality, daring, and a surprisingly democratic social structure aboard his ship. His preference for a life of luxury and his flamboyant personality distinguish him from more ruthless pirates, creating a distinctly memorable character. The stories surrounding him, and particularly the persistent rumors of hidden treasure, continue to captivate the public imagination, solidifying his place in folklore. His story served as inspiration for fictional portrayals of pirates in subsequent literature and film, perpetuating the romanticized image of the buccaneer.

Today, Roberts’ legacy is not solely rooted in tales of riches and adventure. Historians and scholars continue to study his career, providing valuable insights into the economic and social conditions that fueled piracy during the Golden Age. By examining his motivations, tactics, and interactions with the world around him, we gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating and often misunderstood chapter in maritime history. The enduring fascination with Bartholomew Roberts speaks to the universal appeal of narratives centered around rebellion, freedom, and the pursuit of fortune, shaping modern perceptions of pirate life.