BLACK BEARD’S DEATH

Edward Thach’s career came to an end on Nov. 22, 1718. The Governor of Virginia had enough of his piracy and decided that despite the “protection” from the Governor of North Carolina, Blackbeard needed to be stopped.  He sent two ships under Royal Navy Lt. Robert Maynard to end the pirate’s reign.  Maynard found Blackbeard’s ship anchored, expecting no trouble.  Although Blackbeard  and his men came swarming up to meet them.  A six-minute melee ensued.   Maynard and Blackbeard dueled amidst the chaos.  When the smoke cleared, Blackbeard was dead with 20 sword cuts and 5 bullet wounds.  He was beheaded and the body was thrown overboard.  According to legend, the body swam around the ship three times before sinking.  The head was tied to the bowsprit and later put up on a tall pole at the intersection of the Hampton and James Rivers, where it stayed for a few years.