Did you know that the oft-feared Jolly Roger flag, which is most (if not solely) associated with pirates, is believed to have been first used by Welsh pirate, Bartholomew Roberts? That’s according to the 1724 book, A General History of the Pyrates anyway.
Barti Ddu – Black Bart
Long before Welsh piracy was our mutual mate Dafydd sharing torrents of Pobol y Cwm with us, there was Bartholomew Roberts (17 May 1682 – 10 February 1722) – a Welshman born John Roberts from Casnewydd Bach, Pembrokeshire.
The pirate, nicknamed “Barti Ddu” (“Black Bart”), took over 470 prize ships from the coasts of America and West Africa during his piracy “career”. One of the keys to his success? The Welsh language. A speaker of Cymraeg, Barti was able to communicate to allies in the language, ensuring that enemies were unaware of his intentions.
Barti Ddu is also an early user of the Skull and Crossbones pirate flag; etching him into folklore and inspiring not just other pirates, but pop culture centuries after his death.
He would die at the hands of Captain Chaloner Ogle and his HMS Swallow on February 5th, 1722 – though his dream of being buried at sea in his finest clothes, his iconic red waistcoat with scarlet breeches and a scarlet flamingo plume (all of which he wore out of a lack of fear and disregard for anonymity), with his weapons and ornaments, was granted. A true pirate till the end.
Henry Morgan
Henry Morgan (1635-1688) was a Welsh privateer born in the de Cymru community of Llanrumney, Cardiff. What do we know about him?
Morgan was a celebrate privateer within England and was knighted by King Charles II for his assistance against Spain during the Anglo-Spanish War (1667-1670) and, notably, his Panama expedition.
He would later become Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. By the time of his death in 1688, Morgan had “131 Africans as slaves on his estates, 64 men and 67 women, including 33 children, valued at £1,923.”
Of course, those who enjoy the taste of rum will already be familiar with his name, as the Captain Morgan rum introduced in 1944 and still popular today takes its name from Henry Morgan.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL COPY Welsh Histories Magazine – August 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine August 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for August 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of the centuries of oppression Wales has received from different forces and eras. From the Romans and their arrival to (as well as their chaotic exit from) Britain, to the Saxons and the centuries of warfare between them and the Britons, as well as the Edwardian Conquest of Wales, a lot of history is covered in this magazine.
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There are also eight different “did you know?” type facts within this magazine, each of them presenting a different historical theme and interest. I have tried to be diverse with the topics used and hopefully it comes through that way. If this magazine is successful, I would like to revisit this theme in the future or perhaps even write a more extensive book of “did you know?” Welsh history facts. Let us see!
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.