Blackbeard of Norman Island
The Pirates of the British Virgin Islands, Blackbeard of Norman Island, is a popular legend in the British Virgin Islands that tells the story of pirates who allegedly buried treasure on the island during the early 18th century.
Norman Island is a small, uninhabited island located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands. The island is said to have been a popular spot for pirates to anchor their ships and hide their treasure. According to legend, a group of pirates led by Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, buried a treasure on Norman Island sometime in the early 1700s. He was known for his fearsome appearance and reputation for violence, which he cultivated to intimidate his enemies. Blackbeard’s exact birthplace and date of birth are unknown, but it is believed that he was born in Bristol, England, around 1680. He began his career as a good man but eventually turned to piracy, operating in the waters of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands. Blackbeard was known for his distinctive appearance, which included a long black beard and a large, intimidating frame. He would often wear a long coat with pistols and daggers tucked into his belt, and he would light fuses in his beard during battle to create a fearsome appearance.
During his career, Blackbeard captured numerous ships and amassed a large amount of wealth, which he reportedly buried in various locations, including the island of Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands. Blackbeard’s reign of terror ended in 1718 when he was killed during a battle with British naval forces off the coast of North Carolina. His head was reportedly severed and hung from the ship’s bow as a warning to other pirates.
Today, Blackbeard is remembered as one of the most famous and feared pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy, and his legend continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide. Over the years, many people have searched for the treasure, but it has never been found. The legend of the Pirates of Norman Island was popularized by Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Treasure Island,” published in 1883.
Today, visitors to the British Virgin Islands can take a boat tour of the area, including a stop at Norman Island to explore the caves and snorkel in the clear waters around the island. While the treasure of the Pirates of Norman Island may remain a legend, the island’s natural beauty and rich history continue to attract visitors from around the world.
