Pirates have long captivated our imaginations with their tales of adventure, treasure, and daring exploits on the high seas. Among these legendary figures stands Black Bart Roberts, an infamous pirate who terrorized the Caribbean during the early 18th century. However, there was one lesser-known aspect of his life that set him apart from his contemporaries—his deep love for tea.
Who Was Bart Roberts?
Researching pirate Black Bart. Like me many reading my tweet thought it cool he invented the 🏴☠️ flag and his "Pirate's Code." Today I find he captured a slave ship; captain wouldn't pay ransom; he burned ship. 80 enslaved Africans were burned alive, drowned, eaten by sharks. Evil pic.twitter.com/cDZECDj7pu
— James Hall (@hallaboutafrica) March 28, 2022
Born Bartholomew Roberts in Wales, Black Bart Roberts rose to infamy as one of the most successful pirates of his time. Yet, behind his fearsome facade, Roberts possessed a soft spot for a rather unusual indulgence—tea. In an era when rum and spirits dominated pirate drinking habits, Roberts’s love for tea was an enigma.
Roberts’s fascination with tea can be traced back to his early days as a sailor. During his travels across the Atlantic, it is said that he encountered different cultures and their unique customs. It was during these encounters that he first tasted tea and became captivated by its aromatic allure. The warmth and complexity of the brew appealed to his refined tastes, which set him apart from his fellow pirates.
Roberts’s crew, initially perplexed by their captain’s fondness for tea, eventually grew to admire his devotion. They witnessed his unwavering commitment to his tea-drinking ritual, which served as a reminder of the civilized world they had left behind. It brought them a semblance of comfort and a touch of refinement.
Also Read: What Is Gyokuro, Japan’s Luxurious Green Tea Priced At ₹50,000?
A Pirate’s Tea Ritual
Roberts elevated tea drinking to an art form. Despite the rough and unpredictable nature of pirate life, he meticulously adhered to a tea-drinking ritual. When the plundered ships were brought under his command, Roberts made it a point to ensure that a generous supply of tea was among the spoils.
Black Bart Roberts’s love for tea went beyond personal indulgence; it left an indelible mark on pirate lore. His passion for tea influenced his crew, and many of them developed an affinity for the beverage as well. Black Bart Roberts defied the stereotypes of his era, blending the swashbuckling lifestyle with the refined tastes of an aristocrat.
Embracing the art of tea drinking in a world dominated by rum and debauchery, Roberts demonstrated that even pirates can have refined tastes.
Cover image credits: Facebook/History Of The Hour; Canva