In the film The Princess Bride, there is much discussion of “the dread pirate Roberts”. Such a pirate existed in real life. What was his first name?
A) Bartholomew ü B) Binghamton C) Bridewell D) Buster
“Black Bart” Roberts was a pirate’s pirate in the mould of Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”). His brilliant run of success began in 1719 when the British slave ship on which he served as third mate was captured by the pirate Howell Davis. Roberts adapted so well to pirate life that the crew elected him captain upon Davis’ death in action. For the next two and a half years, Black Bart led a growing fleet in many successful attacks on transatlantic shipping. Roberts was finally cornered by Captain Ogle of HMS Swallow. He was slain in a short battle, and all his men surrendered.
