Blackbeard's pirate ship
Queen Anne's Revenge was a huge pirate ship ordered by Edward Blackbeard in 1717-18. Originally captured and modified by the Blackbeard, it was one of the most powerful pirate ships ever built, carrying 40 cannons and plenty of space for a large number of people and loot.
Queen Anne's revenge was able to repel almost all naval warships at the time. It sank in 1718, and many believe that Blackbeard deliberately destroyed it. Shipwrecks have been discovered and have become a treasure trove of pirate artifacts.
From Place de la Concorde to Queen Anne's Revenge
On November 17, 1717, Blackbeard captured the French slave ship La Concorde. He realized it would be a perfect pirate ship. It was large but fast and large enough to install 40 cannons. He renamed it Queen Anne's Revenge: the name refers to Anne, Queen of England and Scotland (1665-1714). Many pirates, including Blackbeard, were Jacobites; This meant that they were in favour of returning the British throne from the House of Hanover to the House of Stuart. After Anne's death, it had changed hands.
The ultimate pirate ship
Blackbeard liked to intimidate his victims into surrendering because the cost of a fight was high. During the months of the 1717-18th century, Blackbeard used Queen Anne's revenge to effectively intimidate shipping in the Atlantic. Between the large frigate and his own terrible appearance and reputation, Blackbeard's victims rarely fought and handed over their cargo safely. He plundered the shipping lanes at will. He was even able to blockade charleston harbor for a week in April 1718, robbing several ships. The town gave him a precious chest full of medicines to get him away.
Queen Anne's revenge sank
In June 1718, Queen Anne's revenge attacked the sandbar in North Carolina and had to be abandoned. Blackbeard took the opportunity to disappear along with all the loot and some of his favorite pirates, leaving others (including the hapless pirate Stede Bonnet) to fend for themselves. Because Blackbeard was legal for a while after that (sort of), many believe he deliberately sabotaged his flagship. Within a few months, Blackbeard would return to pirates, and on November 22, 1718, he was killed by pirate hunters during a fierce battle in North Carolina.
The wreckage of Queen Anne's revenge
In 1996, a shipwreck believed to be Queen Anne's Avengers was discovered in North Carolina. It was excavated and studied for 15 years, and in 2011 it was confirmed as a Blackbeard's ship. The shipwreck has produced many interesting artifacts, including weapons, cannons, medical equipment and huge anchors.
Many artifacts are on display at the Maritime Museum of North Carolina and are available for public viewing. The opening of the exhibition attracted a large audience, a testament to Blackbeard's enduring reputation and popularity.