"Honoring the Memory of
Blackbeard"The Hampton Blackbeard Festival
1st - 3rd June in the Year of our Lord Two-Thousand and One
"Honoring the Memory of
Blackbeard"(all photos taken by Christine Markel Lampe, unless otherwise noted)
We voyaged to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to enjoy the celebrations of the Hampton Blackbeard Festival. Arriving a few days early, we first visited the site of Jamestown -- where some of my ancestors arrived in the New World several years before the Pilgrims came over on the Mayflower.
First we went to the original site of Jamestown -- now administered jointly by Colonial National Historical Park and Assoc. for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. There, we first visited the Glasshouse -- the first industry established in North America. A working replica of the glasshouse has been set up, and they make glass that is available for purchase. We obtained a shaft and globe bottle (similar to an onion bottle, but with a much longer neck) there for much cheaper than I have seen anywhere else (only $17.95 -- whereas other sources sell them for $30 - $55).
Next we went to the Jamestown Settlement -- a living replica of Jamestown, set up next door to the original site.
The ships of Jamestown Settlement -- (from left to right) the flagship Susan Constant, the Discovery and tiny little Godspeed.
A stove set up inside the cook's cabin aboard the Susan Constant.
Below, you can see cannons packed ready for a voyage, on the dock next to the Susan Constant.
Smoking Squirrel
In the Powhatan Indian camp of Jamestown Settlement, one of the docents (dressed as a Powhatan) was smoking some meat. On the rack you can see two fish and a squirrel. I wondered how similar this set up for smoking would be to the boucans of the buccaneers.
The Bonny-mobile
The day prior to the festival, we finally met up with Tamara Eastman, who was to portray Anne Bonny at the festival. The appearance of her carriage delighted us.
THE PIRATE CAMP AT THE BLACKBEARD FESTIVAL
Finally the festival began, and we starting meeting up with our fellow buccaneers. Now -- I'm not sure I really wanted to meet some of them ...
The dapper . . . and the deranged!
Tony Kopec (l) and Cap'n Steele (r) demonstrate the two extremes of the
buccaneers we met up with at the Pirate Camp.
. . . and the diminuitive.
Young Mr. Cramer portrayed Alfie
THE ARREST OF WILLIAM HOWARD
The town crier, announcing that William
Howard is wanted by the authorities for piracy.
(portrayed by Longjohn Scruffybeard, aka Alan)
Lt. Maynard tries to arrest Wm. Howard
William Howard (portrayed by John Glass) does not go willingly. The King's Men (portrayed by Steven Glass and Cap'n Steele) eventually convince him to go quietly.
THE TRYAL OF ANNE BONNY AND MARY READ
Witnesses during the tryal of Anne
Bonny and Mary Read
Capt. Spenlow (left, portrayed by Stan Akins) and Josiah Teasdale, a tavern
keeper fondly known as "Tizzy" (right, portrayed by Arthur Whittam).
Steven Glass stood in for the part of the bailiff, who had his job cut out for
him in keeping Tizzy's hat on, and removing flasks and vials of unknown liquids
from the affable tavern keeper.
The Admiralty Court Judges
The head judge at the center is the Governor of Jamaica, Sir Nicholas Lawes
(portrayed by Michael Lampe). He is flanked on his left by Governor
Spottswood of Virginia and another judge on his right (portrayed by Tony Kopec)
Celebrating after the Tryal
From left to right: Josiah Teasdale (aka Arthur Whittam), DeeGee Cherry,
Blackbeard (aka Ben Cherry) and Tony Kopec (minus his admiralty court judge's
wig).
PREPARING FOR THE BATTLE
In the red coat, Capt. Merrick (aka Joe Marek) fends off an attack from Tom Jewell.
(photo by Clifford Burke)
Michael MacLeod (l) runs through the routine with his opponent for the sea battle.
(photo by Clifford Burke)
Some people find it is more relaxing to go wenching before a battle.
The Crews await aboard their respective ships
"Prepare to be skewered, you
overstuffed poltroon!"
Michael MacLeod (l) aboard the Serenity portrays one of the British
sailors under Lt. Maynard's command.
"It'd take a better man than you
to impressed me, ya British puppy!"
Cap'n Steele awaits aboard the Meka II, standing in as
Blackbeard's ship.
THE BATTLE BETWEEN LT. MAYNARD AND BLACKBEARD
The ships confront each other, and there ensues a lively exchange of words and ...
(photo by Clifford Burke)
... cannon fire!!
(photo by Clifford Burke)
Blackbeard: "Damn you for villains, who are you? And from whence came you?"
Maynard: "You may see by our colours we are no pirates."
Under Lt. Maynard's command, the British sailors carried out a ruse, pretending to all have been killed. Thus fooled, Teach's ship draws alongside, and the pirates board.
The British sailors all are "resurrected", and engage the pirates in heated hand-to-hand duels.
Presentation of Blackbeard's Head
After Lt. Maynard's victory, he carries the severed head of Blackbeard in a
triumphal march ashore and presents it to Governor Spottswood (right).
Blackbeard's Treasure
After the presentation to the Governor, there is a parade through town, with
Blackbeard's Head at the fore, follwed up by his treasure, the captured pirate
crew in chains, and then a "Mardi-Gras" style jazz band.
Meanwhile, doubloons and beads are being tossed out to the crowd.
A close up look at the head of Blackbeard carried at the front of the parade.
NOTE: The exaggerated size of the papier mache head is done on purpose, to make it obvious to the young children, many of whom absolutely adore Ben Cherry's portrayal of Blackbeard, that he hasn't really been decapitated. Despite this, last year, and again this year, there have been children who are absolutely devasted that Blackbeard has been killed, and hysterically sobbing, must be taken backstage to present them to Ben Cherry, and assure them he is, indeed, still alive.
MEANWHILE ... BACK AT THE PIRATE CAMP, AWAITING THE TRYAL OF BLACKBEARD'S CREW
Various reactions
to the news of the death of Blackbeard
Left: "He was as good a
man as ever was ... and he had taken the King's Pardon. There is no justice in
this world!!!
Center: "He got what he deserved!"
Right: " 'Is crew will be found guilty, an' then we'll 'ave a
proper 'angin'!"
THE TRYAL OF BLACKBEARD'S CREW
"Now don't worry lad ... this won't hurt us a bit!"
While awaiting their tryal, the men of Blackbeard's crew appear to have overcome their jailer (the bug-eyed one in the center, with the chain wrapped around his neck).
Israel Hands is aquitted by the court.
(portrayed by Arthur Whittam)
Links to other sites with photos from the same event
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