Captain Bartholomew Roberts. Bartholomew Roberts (17 May 1682 - 10 February 1722), born John Roberts, was a Welsh pirate who raided ships off the Americas and West Africa between 1719 and 1722, also known as ‘Black Bart’, he sailed the high seas during the early 1700s. Born in Casnewydd-Bach, he was one of a number of pirates who spoke with a distinctive Welsh lilt rather than the west-country accent of legend Roberts began his seafaring life in a merchant ship, but soon realised that there was more money to be made in a less reputable trade. He was elected captain of a pirate ship just a few weeks after joining it, and set about raiding the Atlantic world. He was especially successful in the Caribbean and altogether is believed to have captured over 400 prizes. Roberts had a taste for fine and flamboyant clothing, wearing rich crimson damask waistcoats and a gold chain around his neck (usually completing the look with a sword and a pair of pistols). His ship had a black flag which depicted Roberts himself standing with a skeleton and holding an hour glass. He even had a ‘pirate code’, which ensured that each crew member voted on the affairs of the ship, and that food and plunder were distributed equally. Weapons were to be kept clean and ready for action, while marooning, mutilation and death were just some of the punishments handed out to those who broke the rules. His career came to an end in 1722 when a Royal Navy ship attacked his vessel at Cape Lopez in West Africa. Unfortunately for Roberts, his crew were too drunk to put up much of a fight, and he was struck down by a round of grapeshot.