Arrgh, 10 facts you didn’t know about Pirates!
Number two will surprise you!
Ahoy there me hearties!
This weekend The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta took place in Blyth with up to 30 ships on the quay. Some of the largest and most spectacular Tall Ships in the world sailed into Blyth providing a fantastic maritime celebration for the region. There was be live music, street theatre, a Crew Parade and Parade of Sail, funfair rides throughout the town, a market place in the town center, and even firework displays each evening!
There was also pirates! So we brushed up on our pirate knowladge. Did you know these 10 fun pirate facts?
1.Pirates didn’t really make men walk the plank
Sorry guys! Walking the plank is just a myth and mainly used for dramatic effect in movies. Forcing a man to walk the plank required more effort than was necessary for a pirate who could easily get rid of a foe. Although there are a few tales of pirates walking the plank, there is little evidence to suggest that it was a common punishment. Aarg.
2.Pirates had a great workmen’s comp plan
Yes, you read it right! Piracy was risky business and injuries were extremely common. So, to encourage pirates to join in and not to hesitate in battle, many pirate crews compensated wounded crewmen. To do this, they had predetermined amounts. Here are a few of examples from one ship:
-Lost right arm 600 pieces of silver or six slaves
-Lost right leg 500 pieces of silver or five slaves
-Lost eye (either one) 100 pieces of silver or one slave
-Lost finger 100 pieces of silver or one slave
…ouch.
3. Piracy was a better career choice for some
Most people think that pirates are criminals and didn’t want honest work, but many pirates chose the life because “honest” work at sea consisted of either merchant or military service, both of which meant working in awful conditions. Yes, being a pirate was actually a solid career choice for some and it paid very well…if you could stay alive. Still, at least there’s a comp plan! How much for a lost head?
4. Pirates didn’t like violence
Despite movie scenes of pirates excitedly loading the cannons and heading for battle over a spilt drop of rum, real pirates actually tried to avoid violence as it was bad for business. By going to battle, pirates risked damage to their own ships and injury to their crews. Pirates actually tried heir hardest to stay out of violent situations, but if they got into one, they weren’t afraid to battle it out!
5.Pirate crews were some of the first democracies
Pirate ships were working as democracies way before America! Most captains were elected by crew and could be voted out anytime. Every man onboard was entitled to an equal share of food, liquor, and other provisions. Captains often earned no more than two or three times that of the lowliest deckhand and rarely got a cabin to themselves, no VIP service for them.
6.Pirates Rarely Buried Treasure
Some pirates buried treasure, but most never did. Most of the loot gathered after a raid or attack was quickly divided up among the crew, who would rather spend it than bury it, after all, they may not have long left to enjoy it and it’s not like they had shares or stock holds!
7.Pirate Careers Didn't Last Long
Most pirates didn’t last very long. It was a tough line of work: many were killed or injured in battle or in fights amongst themselves, and there weren’t exactly any medical facilities around. The longest running pirate captain only lasted three years! Shiver me timbers!
8.There Were Women Pirates
Most people think that there were never any female pirates – but there were! It was extremely rare, but women did occasionally get to join in pirate business and take to the seas. The most famous examples were Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who sailed with “Calico Jack” Bonny and Read dressed as men and reportedly fought just as well, you go girl!
9.The Pirates Didn't Limit Themselves to the Caribbean
The Caribbean was a great place for pirates as there was little or no law, there were plenty of uninhabited islands for hideouts, and many merchant vessels passed through. But the pirates of the “Golden Age” did not only work there. Many crossed the ocean to stage raids off the west coast of Africa, including the legendary “Black Bart” Roberts. Others sailed as far as the Indian Ocean to work the shipping lanes of southern Asia
10.A Good Pirate Ship Had Good Officers
A pirate ship was more than a boatload of scallywags. A good ship was a well-run machine, with officers and a clear division of labour. The captain decided where to go and when, and which enemy ships to attack. There were other positions, including boatswain, carpenter, cooper, gunner and navigator. Where can we apply?
To win a chance to Come Sail with Brian on the Kapitan Borchardt click here and You and a friend could be given the VIP treatment on board the ship from 12pm-2pm including a tasty BBQ, beverages and entertainment. Experience the Blyth Tall Ships weekend like no other!