Charles W Black, of Irish and Welsh decent, was born in Waterford, Ireland in 1650.  He spent 'is childhood playin' and workin' on and around the Celtic Sea with 'is father who was a coastal sailor and fisherman.  At the age of 16 he joined the British Merchant Marines as a junior officer.  And for the next 9 years he served on the "HMS Parliament" fighting the Dutch in the North Sea and English Channel.

     In 1675 Lt Charles was summoned to King Charles II where he was knighted for heroism and bravery in Battle.  Sir Charles W Black was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Royal British Navy and given a commission of 'is own ship, the "HMS Valhalla." 

     Capt Sir Charles and 'is "Valhalla" were deployed to the West Indies of the New World were he helped maintain order under King Charles and the English Rule.

     In 1678, the "Valhalla" come under fire from a French Naval ship.  She returned fire, sinking the French ship.  Unfortunately, there had been a cease fire truce between the two nations at that time.  And unsure just who the provocateur was, Capt Charles and the crew of the Valhalla were outlawed by the British Government.

     In 1679, the good King Charles was able to gratn Capt Charles and 'is crew a full pardon.  However, instead of re-enlisting as a British Naval Officer, Capt Charles was offered a Letter of Marquee, signed by the King, to attack and seize all ships that are enemies of England, includin' the French, Spanish, and Dutch.  the Valhalla enjoyed countless victories and acquisitions during 'er privateering years.

     In 1685, King Charles suddenly took ill and mysteriously died.  'is brother, James II, was crowned King.  King James was an evil man, persecuting the English people over religious matters and abusing the Crown.

    Capt Black, suspicious of King James of having 'is brother assassinated, began attacking and sinking some English merchant ships loyal to King James.  This retaliation caused Capt Charles to once again be outlawed by the British government.

     King James was cast out of England in 1688, but the damage was done.  Capt Charles, considered a Pirate now, would never be able to return to 'is homeland again.

Thus, a Pirate's Life began!

St. Augustine Pirate University