Introduction
Pirates have always been a fascinating subject for many people. They are often portrayed in movies and books as ruthless and fearsome criminals who looted and pillaged ships on the high seas. One of the most iconic images of a pirate is that of a one-eyed, eye-patched sailor. But who were the famous pirates with eye patches? In this article, we will explore some of the most notorious pirates in history who wore an eye patch.
Blackbeard
Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, was one of the most infamous pirates of the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He was known for his fierce appearance, which included a long black beard, a tricorn hat, and a bandolier of pistols slung across his chest. Blackbeard was also known to wear an eye patch over his right eye, which added to his menacing appearance. However, it is not clear whether he wore it because he had lost his eye in battle, or if it was just for effect.
Samuel Bellamy
Samuel Bellamy, also known as "Black Sam," was an English pirate who operated in the early 18th century. He was known for his flamboyant personality and his tendency to dress in fine clothes, rather than the typical pirate garb. However, Bellamy did wear an eye patch over his right eye. It is said that he lost his eye during a battle, and he wore the patch to cover the scar. Bellamy was known for his successful raids on merchant ships, and he amassed a large fortune during his career as a pirate.
Stede Bonnet
Stede Bonnet was an unlikely pirate. He was a wealthy plantation owner who turned to piracy in the early 18th century. Bonnet was known for his lack of experience and his poor leadership skills, which often led to his crew mutinying against him. However, Bonnet did wear an eye patch over his right eye. It is said that he lost his eye during a battle, and he wore the patch to cover the scar. Bonnet's pirate career was short-lived, and he was eventually captured and executed for his crimes.
Bartholomew Roberts
Bartholomew Roberts, also known as "Black Bart," was a Welsh pirate who operated in the early 18th century. He was known for his successful raids on ships and his ability to elude capture. Roberts also wore an eye patch over his right eye. It is said that he lost his eye during a battle, and he wore the patch to cover the scar. Roberts was one of the most successful pirates of his time, and he amassed a large fortune before he was killed in battle in 1722.
John "Calico Jack" Rackham
John Rackham, also known as "Calico Jack," was an English pirate who operated in the early 18th century. He was known for his flamboyant clothing, which often included a calico shirt and a feathered hat. Rackham also wore an eye patch over his right eye. It is said that he lost his eye during a battle, and he wore the patch to cover the scar. Rackham was known for his association with two infamous female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Anne Bonny
Anne Bonny was an Irish pirate who operated in the early 18th century. She was known for her fiery temper and her willingness to fight alongside her male counterparts. Bonny also wore an eye patch over her right eye. It is said that she lost her eye during a battle, and she wore the patch to cover the scar. Bonny was known for her association with Calico Jack and Mary Read, and she was eventually captured and sentenced to hang, although her sentence was later commuted.
Mary Read
Mary Read was an English pirate who operated in the early 18th century. She was known for dressing as a man and fighting alongside her male counterparts. Read also wore an eye patch over her right eye. It is said that she lost her eye during a battle, and she wore the patch to cover the scar. Read was known for her association with Calico Jack and Anne Bonny, and she was eventually captured and sentenced to hang, although her sentence was later commuted.
Conclusion
The image of a pirate with an eye patch has become a popular symbol in popular culture. However, it is clear that many real-life pirates did wear eye patches, either as a result of injuries sustained in battle or for effect. Blackbeard, Samuel Bellamy, Stede Bonnet, Bartholomew Roberts, John Rackham, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read were just a few of the famous pirates who wore eye patches. While their reasons for wearing them may have differed, they all left their mark on history as some of the most notorious pirates of their time.