Pirate Kilts?

[MacWage]

I just received a copy of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." On the cover is a well-dressed Victorian Pirate King, circa 1885.

Note the folds behind his left leg (right side of book), which mean overknee leggings. It is probably an "artistic interpretation" of those baggy shorts/breeches or the afore mentioned "canvas apron."

Great pic though, I might have to "pirate" it :rolleyes: .

[Ruanaidh]

I just came upon the Arms of Penzance


Note the "pirate" with the overknee leggings and the kilt and/or apron. Also the Cross of St. Andrew and the Keys of St. Peter.

[Kirkwood]

From "Under the Black Flag" by David Cordingly "...one of Maynard's men being a Highlander, engaged Teach with his broad sword, who gave Teach a cut on the neck, Teach saying well done lad; the Highlander replied, If it be not well done, I'll do it better. With that he gave him a second stroke, which cut off his head, laying it flat on his shoulder."

For those who don't know, Teach was better known as the pirate Blackbeard.

[davezero]

I can not verify the historical accuracy of a kilted pirate..... However, aboard ship it would be impractical to wear a kilt. The apron mentioned earlier has been documented in several books as have the breeches. I don't, however, see why a good Scotch Pirate wouldn't wear his kilt on dry land.
Now. As a member of the SCA I see kilted pirates quite a bit at events, especialy Highland war.