Blackbeard (Reading)

Terrifying and merciless -are the words to describe this most famous English pirate. Blackbeard was a large, tall man and he carried two swords, lots of guns and knives. His real name was Edward Teach, but he got his pirate name fi'om the long black beard which covered most of his face. Ships all over the Caribbean Sea feared an attack by Blackbeard and his crew. Teach began his career on the high seas at an early age when he sailed in tile English Navy in the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1 713). After the war he joined the crew of the Pirate Homigold. In 1717, they captured a French ship that Homigold later gave to Teach. Teach took control of this ship which he named 'The Queen Anne's Revenge' . This was the first of many ships that he commanded,

and it began his reputation as a terrifying and dangerous pirate. Over the next year, Blackbeard and his crew captured more than 50 ships. They often learned a ship's nationality and then raised that country's flag in order to appear friendly. This allowed Blackbeard's ship to get close to the other ship. The pirates then raised Blackbeard's flag and attacked tile ship. They went on board the ship and stole treasure and goods.

Blackbeard's life came to an end when the Royal British Navy sent Lieutenant Maynard after Blackbeard in November, 1718. Maynard found Blackbeard and his crew in small harbour in North Carolina. The pirates and Maynard 's crew fought each other. In the battle, Maynard shot and killed Blackbeard. Aftelwards, Maynard searched for Blackbeard's treasure, but was unable find it. When Blackbeard died so did the secret of his treasure which remains a mystery to this day.