A Noble Birthright

Who was Blackbeard before he began his infamous career? Actually, the question is a tough one. One source (''Blackbeard The Fiercest Pirate of All'' by Norman C. Pendered) indicates there is no known record of Edward Teach's early childhood or parentage.

It seems to be accepted that he was born in Bristol, England and started his career sailing from Jamaica during Queen Anne's War.

''Blackbeard and Other Pirates of the Atlantic Coast'' by Nancy Roberts assumes that since few common people of that time possessed the skills of reading and writing, Teach came from an educated family because he was able to do both.

And, that seems to be about the sum total of what is known. Others have said that he was the illegitimate child of a barmaid and a nobleman. Even his true name has it doubts. It has been referenced as Thach, Tach, Tache, Tatch, Teatch and Thatch. ''Teach'' seems to be the accepted spelling since it was used by Lt. Maynard, who eventually slew him.

Source: The Greater Hyde County Chamber of Commerce