ONE of the most notorious pirates in the history of seafaring came from Stonehouse, according to new research.
The father of Edward Thache, better known as Blackbeard, was born in Stonehouse and had family in the area, claims Baylus Brooks, an American maritime historian and genealogist in his new book Quest for Blackbeard.
Parish records appear to show that Edward Thache senior was born in Stonehouse on June 14, 1659, and was baptized two weeks later at St Cyr’s Church.
Blackbeard’s grandfather, the Rev Thomas Thache, was the rector at the church and had a wife called Rachel.
Edward Thatche senior is believed to have moved to Bristol where he married Elizabeth.
They had two children, Blackbeard and Elizabeth, claims Mr Brooks.
The research has been put together with help from members of Stonehouse History Group.
Darrell Webb, from the history group, said: “Stonehouse History Group were pleased to help supply Baylus a small amount of information about the Thatch family who lived in Stonehouse.
“We are very intrigued and pleased that his investigations seem to point to a link between the famous pirate Blackbeard and a Reverend of St Cyr’s.”
Blackbeard, who is said to have operated around the West Indies and Britain’s North American colonies, is remembered as one of the most notorious pirates, known for his long black beard which made him appear even more frightening.
After a lawless career, he is believed to have been killed in a final battle near Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, by the Royal Navy in November, 1718.
(Stroud News January 2017)
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Marcus Rediker CUP 1987
References: ‘In no way was the pirate sense of fraternity, which Spotswood and others noted, more forcefully expressed than in the threats and acts of revenge taken by pirates.’ In 1717, ‘Teach’s sea rovers captured a merchant vessel and, “because she belonged to Boston, [Teach] alledging the People of Boston had henged some of the Pirates, so burnt her,” Teach declared that all Boston ships deserved a similar fate.’
(His ship, pointedly, was named Queen Anne’s Revenge)
Alexander Spotswood, Governor of Virginia, wrote this to the Board of Trade in 1724:
“Your Lordships will easily conceive my Meaning when you reflect on the Vigorous part I’ve acted to suppress Pirates: and if those barbarous Wretches can be moved to cut off the Nose & Ears of a Master for but correcting his own Sailors, what inhuman treatment must I expect, should I fall within their power, who have been markt as the principle object of their vengeance, for cutting off their arch Pirate Thatch [Teach, also known as Blackbeard], with all his grand designs …”
‘Spotswood knew these pirates well. He had authorized the expedition that returned to Virginia boasting Blackbeard’s head as a trophy.’