The flag most commonly identified as the Jolly Roger today – the skull and crossbones symbol on a black flag – was used during the 1710s by a number of pirate captains, including Black Sam Bellamy, Edward England, and John Taylor. It became the most commonly used pirate flag during the 1720s, although other designs were also in use.

The Skull and Crossbones Flag Also Known As The Jolly Roger Flag/The Pirate Flag. During the 1400s, the skull and bones symbol began its journey to becoming a thing of the past until some of the most dreaded pirates adopted it in the next century.

Nov 27, 2016 · This trademark, the skull and crossbones symbol, has first been recorded on flags from the 17th century. It is believed that the idea was borrowed from the designs on the flags of Barbary pirates (Ottoman corsairs) that used to operate under a green flag with a skull symbol.

Jan 17, 2025 · The Jolly Roger is a flag design that was used by pirates and privateers to frighten the crews of other ships into submission. It is most recognizable by its white skull-and-crossbones design on a black background.

Aug 18, 2021 · Although pirates and other mariners may have used skulls and bones on flags much earlier in history, the first recorded use of a Jolly Roger 'black flag' is on the ship of Emmanuel Wynne, a Breton pirate who used a skull, crossbones, and hourglass design in an engagement in 1700 off Santiago.

Aug 23, 2022 · With its black and white design featuring a skull and crossbones, the 18th-century pirate flag known as the Jolly Roger signaled that a bloody attack was imminent. Not every version of the Jolly Roger looked the same — and some even swapped the skull and crossbones for a simple, blood-red skeleton.

When we think of pirates, one of the first images that comes to mind is the iconic Jolly Roger—the black flag emblazoned with a skull and crossbones. This fearsome symbol of piracy has captured the imagination of storytellers and adventurers for centuries.