Ahoy, Matey

⚓️ To the Crew of the Republic,

The tide brings treasure this week, and it’s a haul fit for the fiercest freebooters.

We’ve got metal bands storming the high seas with blistering covers, a brand-new pirate tavern at Disney World opening its doors, and history’s greatest rogues making their mark—from Philip Roche’s final stand to Black Bart’s Liberian conquests. Meanwhile, coastal towns from Rye to Florida are raising the black flag for festivals brimming with cannon fire, costume contests, and sea shanty singalongs.

And don’t miss this week’s Plunder Pick—a tankard so savage, it might just drink you.

Raise anchor. Set sail. Episode 16 begins now.

– Captain Blackquill

📜 This Week in Pirate History

⚓ August 6, 1723 – The Hanging of Philip Roche, Bloody Rogue of the Atlantic

There’s dark... and then there’s Philip Roche dark.

Once a Royal Navy man, Roche traded his uniform for a cutlass and a life soaked in sin. He didn’t just turn pirate—he turned savage. Tales spread of him slaughterin’ captains, betrayin’ his own crew, and plunderin’ like a devil possessed. They say even hardened buccaneers crossed themselves when they heard his name.

But his luck ran aground in Ireland, where the Crown finally nabbed him. Hauled in chains to Dublin, Roche faced a court of landlubbers who’d never stared down a broadsider, yet still sentenced him to swing.

On August 6, 1723, he marched to the gallows with curses on his lips and fire in his eyes. The crowd gathered, eager to watch a devil hang. When the rope snapped taut, the bloody tale of Philip Roche ended not with a cannon’s roar—but with the creak of a noose in the Irish wind.

🏴‍☠️ August 8, 1721 – Black Bart Strikes in Liberia

If there ever was a pirate who turned plunder into poetry, it was Bartholomew Roberts—“Black Bart” to his enemies, which was just about everyone.

On this swelterin’ August day off the coast of Liberia, Roberts spotted two ripe merchant ships bloated with cargo. With sails full and steel sharp, he descended like a shadow from hell, seizin’ both without breakin’ a sweat. No blood spilled. No shots wasted. Just clean, cold piracy from the master himself.

Roberts didn’t run a floating tavern like other scallywags—his crew followed a strict pirate code, wore velvet waistcoats, and raised their mugs only after the job was done. These two captures were mere crumbs in his banquet of piracy. In just three years, he’d claim over 400 vessels, each one a notch on his pistol.

So on August 8, 1721, while kings squabbled and merchants prayed, Black Bart reminded the world that on the high seas, there were rules—and they were his.

🧨 Heavy Metal on the High Seas?

The Galactic Empire band just dropped a blistering heavy metal cover of Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme—and as a metalhead meself, I was eager to give it a spin.

The first minute? Pure glory. Thundering riffs, double kick drums, and pirate menace dripping off every chord. But five minutes in, I felt like I was being keelhauled over a barnacle-encrusted hull while a TIE Fighter blasted sea shanties at full volume.

Love it or hate it, it’s worth a listen. Just make sure your rum is strong and your volume’s louder than a cannon blast.
🎧 Listen if ye dare →

🏴‍☠️ Plunder Pick of the Week: Skull & Sabers Pirate Tankard

Raise yer grog in style, matey! This week’s treasure be a vessel worthy of Blackbeard himself — a fearsome Skull & Sabers Pirate Tankard that looks like it was plundered straight from the captain’s table.

Crafted with the appearance of weathered wood, reinforced with nautical rope details, and boasting a polished stainless-steel liner, this mug means business. But what truly sets it apart is the raised skull wearing a tattered pirate hat, flanked by crossed sabers and gleaming cutlasses. The handle? A silvered cutlass grip that would make any scallywag grin.

⚓ Holds yer favorite grog, ale, or soda with rugged flair
⚔️ Great for pirate parties, cosplay nights, or just intimidating landlubbers at dinner
🎁 Makes a fine gift for the rum-loving rogue in yer crew

Be warned: sip from this beast, and you might start speakin' in sea shanties.

🦜 Claim yer tankard here on Amazon

Disney’s Grand Opening: The Beak and Barrel – Pirates of the Caribbean Pub

Opening: August 29, 2025
Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Avast! Disney World is hoisting the black flag with its first-ever pirate-themed pub—The Beak and Barrel —landing in Adventureland this August .

What’s on the menu for buccaneers of all ages:

• Themed bites: Taste the sea with Kraken’s Catch (octopus tentacles with olives, avocado, and pepper-almond foam) or cozy up with Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes .

• Potent potions: Try the Salty Seas mARRRgarita, Plunderer’s Punch in a skull mug, or the mesmerizing Siren’s Whisper blue rum cocktail .

• Family-friendly fare: Treasure Trove & Cursed Treasure mocktails, perfect for young buccaneers .

• Souvenirs: Keep a piece of the tavern with themed apparel and a parrot shoulder plush

• Get a first look at the menu!

Captain’s Log:

• Opening day: August 29, 2025

• Reservations set sail: August 14 via My Disney Experience app—set yer alarms or risk walkin’ the plank
  

🎭 Event Spotlight: Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day

📍 August 9, 2025 — The Crown Inn, Rye, UK

Raise a tankard and warm up your pipes—Rye’s beloved celebration of smuggling and piracy returns for another raucous round of sea shanties, costume contests, and mischief.

Set in one of England’s most historic coastal towns, this all-day party channels the town’s real-life smuggler past with a wink and a swagger. Expect tankards of ale, briny ballads, and more tricorn hats than ye can shake a belaying pin at.

Event Info →

🏰 Event Spotlight: Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest

📍 October 10–12, 2025 — Pier Park, Panama City Beach, FL

Avast! Florida’s Pier Park will once again transform into a den of scallywags and swordfighters as two worlds collide in this hybrid pirate–renaissance spectacular.

🎆 Cannon fire, sword fights, and pirate shows
🎭 Renaissance dance, royal courts, and medieval mayhem
⚓ Treasure hunts, vendors, and shipboard fun for all ages

This fest is one of the biggest pirate celebrations in the South, and whether yer crew wears corsets or cutlasses, you’ll feel right at home.

Event Info →

That be the haul for this week, matey. From metal riffs and ropewalk tales to new taverns and tricorned tankards—we’re keeping piracy alive in every port and every post.

If ye liked this tide’s worth of tales, forward it to yer favorite buccaneers, rogues, or landlubbers in need of some swagger.

Until next week,
– Captain Blackquill

🗣️ Share the Spoils, Matey!

Know a landlubber who’d love tales of treasure, ghost ships, and real pirate history? Don’t keep the gold to yerself—send ‘em our way!

📜 Sign up here → https://www.piratefanclub.com/weeklynewsletter-thepiraterepublic

Fair winds and full inboxes!

Sail with us across the digital seas:
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▶️ YouTube: The Pirate Republic

Share this letter with yer crewmates, an if ye find treasure or tales worth tell’n, send them to [email protected].

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