Blackbeard or Edward Teach (c.1680-1718) is one of the most infamous pirates to have ever lived. Known for his fearsome image and daring acts on land and sea throughout the West Indies and along the North American East coast, his legacy has been the inspiration for many depictions of pirates throughout history. It is thought he began his life at sea as a British privateer in the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713), and after the war, his privateering turned to piracy under the instruction of Captain Benjamin Hornigold.

Source: Royal Museums Greenwich