For most people thoughts of the sea are linked to the infamous marauders of the high seas, pirates. From history books to movie screens, to children’s characters, we love stories of buccaneers. Not only do we read and watch their stories, we dress the part as well, at Halloween, at Renaissance Fairs, whenever we get the chance. Public fascination also leads some pirate aficionados to decorate their homes in piratical fashion, with flags, figurines and other nautical décor.

If we examine them closely, we must admit that, while yes they were bad guys, we still love their sense of adventure and freedom. Perhaps that’s why they are still such popular themes today.

One of the most infamous historical pirates was Blackbeard, arguably the fiercest and cruelest pirate captain of them all. Though Blackbeard’s real name is not definitively known it’s thought to be Edward Teach. He and his crew attacked ships on the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea from 1716 through 1718. His seafaring life began on board as a privateer in Jamaica during the War of the Spanish Succession. Privateers were hired by the government to attack the ships of the enemy during wartime. When the war was over Teach joined a group of fierce Caribbean pirates, soon becoming a captain. The name Blackbeard comes from his appearance, a braided beard with black ribbons and, for a dramatic effect, a burning rope under his hat that would shroud his face in smoke.

Perhaps the second most famous pirate is the fictional Captain James Hook from J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up and its various adaptations. He is the captain of the pirate ship, The Jolly Roger. His most defining feature in every version is the sharp hook he wears to replace the hand that was cut off by Peter Pan and then eaten by a crocodile. Hook’s real name is not revealed in the original work. Barrie only says, "Hook was not his true name. To reveal who he really was would even at this date set the country in a blaze," and that "he was Blackbeard's boatswain, and that he was the only man Long John Silver ever feared". In the original, as well as in other versions, Hook captures Wendy Darling and challenges Peter Pan when he comes to rescue her. Hook is defeated and falls overboard into the open jaws of the a fore mentioned crocodile.

The third pirate on the list is also fictional, Captain Jack Sparrow, from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, portrayed by actor, Johnny Depp. The series was inspired by the Disney theme park ride of the same name. The ride was revamped in 2006 to include the character of Jack Sparrow as well as his antagonist, Hector Barbossa, his former first mate who led a mutiny and stole Sparrow’s ship, The Black Pearl. Sparrow often appears to be a bit unbalanced but he uses that to his advantage to outwit his appointments, Davy Jones and The East India Trading Company to name a few.

Last but not least, Grace O'Malley comes from historical Ireland as a famous pirate, seafarer, trader and chieftain in the 1500's. She was born in 1530 in County Mayo, Ireland and was the daughter of sea captain Owen O'Malley. She became quite the sailor in her own right and eventually captained her own fleet of ships. In her later life, Grace turned pirate, attacking Turkish and Spanish pirate ships and even the English fleet. In 1593, Grace visited Queen Elizabeth to negotiate the release of her brother and son, who had been captured by British forces. The Queen granted her request in exchange for Grace’s word to defend the Queen against her enemies.

So, whether your favorite pirate is from fact or fiction, there are many to learn about, and when looking for nautical gifts, there are many to choose from as well. Figurines of pirates and ships, clocks, flags, and even banks are just some of the piratical gifts we offer. contact us for more exciting nautical décor and gifts.