MOST PROMINENT FLAGS USED BY SOME OF THE MOST KNOWN PIRATES
The Flags were most Commonly known as “Jolly Roger”. The Flag below may be attributed to Blackbeard, Edward Teach. Similar flags were reportedly flown by Edward Low, Charles Harris, and Francis Spriggs.
This flag was also used by Edward Low (below)
The Flag below was associated with “Calico” Jack Rackham
The Flag below was associated with Stede Bonnet, “The Gentleman Pirate”.
OTHER INTERESTING THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH PIRATES
Pirates wore eye patches primarily to help their eyes adjust more quickly between the bright ship deck, and the darkness below deck.
Some Pirates did have a Hook or a Wooden Peg for a leg. Remember, they fought a lot with swords and daggers and would lose appendages.
Other Pirates would wear gold earrings “to ward off seasickness”, by putting pressure on the earlobe, but that did not always work for them
SOME TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH PIRATES
Buccaneer - An Outlaw who settled on or around the Carrbean Islands, West Indies and the American coasts from the 1690’s onward and took up Piracy.
Cutlass - A type of Navel Sword developed from the hunting knives of the early Buccaneers.
Figure Head - A carved and painted wooden figure placed at the front of the ship.
THE PIRATE CODE
Although Pirates operated outside of the law, they frequently established their own codes of conduct. These codes were designed to avoid disputes over the division of plunder, and even made provision for looking after Pirates wounded in battle. For it’s time, these charters were remarkable documents, sort of Gentleman’s agreement between thieves.
The article and pictures were put together by myself, "Lady Angelique", "First Mate M. DeCarlo", and "The Navigator" Hooper. Special Thanks to WHET, Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust, and to all of the Pirate Community.
Be sure to check out the WHET team here:
Sources
(The History of Pirates/Angus Konstam 1999)
(Pirates of Caymen/Marina Carter 2001)
(Southwestern UniversityA Treasury of Facts/Meilee Bridges 2021)
(Nassau Paradise Island 2014)