Christopher Moody

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The Jolly Roger of Christopher Moody

Christopher Moody (1694–1722) was an 18th-century pirate who held a policy of no quarter (no sparing of lives). After he was captured, he was hanged at Cape Coast Castle in Cabo Corso, Ghana (now Cape Coast, Ghana).[1]

Christopher Moody may have previously been a member of Bartholomew Roberts' crew.[2] He is believed to have pirated off the coast of North and South Carolina sometime between 1713 and 1718.[2]

Moody is largely remembered for his distinct Jolly Roger flag. Instead of the traditional white on black, Moody's Jolly Roger is gold on red. It also has an hourglass with wings, to express to his victims that their time to live was flying away. In the middle is a white arm holding a dagger.[2][3] In addition, blood-red pennants were often tied to the ship's mainmast to show deadly intent.[2]

While the red Jolly Roger is distinctive, it is not unique. It is believed that the origin of the red flag is likely that English privateers flew the red jack by order of the Admiralty in 1694. When the War of Spanish Succession ended in 1714, many privateers turned to piracy and some retained the red flag, as red symbolized blood.[citation needed]


  1. ^ "Pirate Flags". Pirate Mythology. Retrieved 2008-01-08. 
  2. ^ a b c d "Christopher Moody". Jolly Roger. Retrieved 2008-01-08. 
  3. ^ "Christopher Moody". CRW Flags. Retrieved 2008-01-08.