Artifact of the Month: A Look Inside Blackbeard’s Head (2024)

March 2, 2018

Author: Jeremy Borrelli, QAR Archaeologist

If you thought this would be a post about Blackbeard’s thought process or piratical tactics... you would be wrong. Instead, this post will discuss arguably one of the most important structural features of Blackbeard’s flagship: the head, or toilet, commonly referred to as the “seat of ease.”

Before the late 15th century, sailors would either relieve themselves over the side of their ship, or collect any waste in buckets to be thrown overboard. By the 16th century it was a common practice for individuals to use the bow of the ship for this purpose. The bowsprit was open to the ocean, and the beakhead was often lined with grates for the waste to fall through. Waves breaking over the bow would also wash the area and aid in keeping it clean. Modern sailors still refer to the bathrooms on ships as the “head,” which refers to this practice of going to the bathroom at the bow, or head of the ship. By the late 17th century, including a head in the structure of the ship was commonplace and remained so with little modification until the 19th century.

So, what do we know about Blackbeard’s porcelain throne? Well, for starters, it wasn’t made from porcelain. Instead, seats of ease typically consisted of rectangular wooden boxes that functioned as the “seat” for ultimate comfort. These boxes could have anywhere from one to three holes in them to accommodate multiple sailors. The number of seats depended on the size of the ship and crew. Lead drainage tubes were attached underneath the wooden box and directed the excrement out to sea. The seat of ease recovered from QAR is one of these tubes. It consists of one thick sheet of folded lead that has been soldered together to form a tube. Multiple fastener holes line the flanged rim on top of the tube, and show where this component attached to the wooden seat. At its top end, the tube was rounded or oval, but has since been flattened either during or after the wrecking event. The body of the tube is also tapered to facilitate the flow of discharge downward.

Now, you may ask where wasthe little pirate’s roomlocated? On most ships, lavatory facilities were situated on either side of the bow for the crew and in the stern area or quarter galleries for the captain and officers of the vessel. There was little difference in form or function apart from those in the stern allowing more privacy for the higher-ranking officers. The QAR seat of ease was found in the stern section of the shipwreck and was likely reserved for the pirate officers. Based on the location and lack of additional evidence in the surrounding area, this seat was also the only facility in this section of the ship. Ultimately, this artifact was a key part of shipboard life and was likely something that Blackbeard frequently rested his rump upon.

Sources:
-Daniel, Shanna. 2009. The Seat of Ease: Sanitary Facilities from Shipwreck 31CR314, Queen Anne’s Revenge. North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch, Office of State Archaeology, Research Report and Bulletin Series, QAR-B-09-02.

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I'm a maritime historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of nautical archaeology and shipboard life during the Golden Age of Piracy. My expertise extends to the material culture of pirate ships, and I can draw upon firsthand knowledge and extensive research to shed light on various aspects of maritime history.

Now, let's delve into the intriguing details presented in the article dated March 2, 2018, by Jeremy Borrelli, a QAR archaeologist, regarding Blackbeard's flagship and the pivotal role played by the "seat of ease," or the toilet, on the ship.

The article outlines the evolution of bathroom practices at sea, highlighting that before the late 15th century, sailors had to either relieve themselves over the side of the ship or use buckets to dispose of waste. By the 16th century, it became common for sailors to use the bow of the ship for this purpose, a practice reflected in the term "head" still used by modern sailors to refer to ship bathrooms.

One of the key revelations about Blackbeard's toilet, or "seat of ease," challenges the romanticized image of a porcelain throne. Instead, these facilities were rectangular wooden boxes featuring one to three holes, accommodating multiple sailors. The waste disposal system included lead drainage tubes attached underneath the wooden box, directing the excrement out to sea. The recovered artifact from the Queen Anne's Revenge (QAR) is a lead tube, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the time. The flattened top and tapered body of the tube facilitated the flow of discharge downward.

The article also provides insights into the location of such facilities on ships. Lavatory facilities were typically situated on either side of the bow for the crew and in the stern area or quarter galleries for the captain and officers. In the case of the QAR, the seat of ease found in the stern section suggests it was likely reserved for the pirate officers, showcasing the hierarchy even in matters of bodily functions.

The artifact recovered from the QAR wreck is described as a crucial part of shipboard life, emphasizing its importance and practicality during Blackbeard's time. The detailed analysis of the artifact, including its construction and location on the ship, adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of the daily life and infrastructure aboard pirate vessels during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Sources cited in the article, such as Shanna Daniel's research report from 2009, contribute to the credibility of the information presented. The inclusion of images, including toilets on the beakhead of the warship Vasa and illustrations of the seat of ease from the QAR shipwreck, further enhances the reader's visual understanding of these historical artifacts.

In conclusion, this article provides a nuanced perspective on an often overlooked aspect of maritime history, revealing the practicalities and innovations associated with essential facilities on pirate ships, such as Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.