Walking the plank

A form of execution associated with pirates

Illustration of a pirate forcing a captive to walk the plank.

Walking the plank is a form of execution associated with pirates, where a victim is forced to walk off a wooden plank extended over the side of a ship, leading to their death by drowning. This method of execution is often depicted in literature and popular culture as a dramatic and cruel punishment used by pirates to dispose of captives or mutineers.

Historical Context

The practice of walking the plank is most commonly associated with the Golden Age of Piracy, which spanned from the late 17th century to the early 18th century. During this time, pirates roamed the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and other waters, preying on merchant ships and engaging in acts of piracy.

While the historical accuracy of walking the plank as a common pirate practice is debated, it has become a staple of pirate lore. The image of a pirate forcing a captive to walk the plank is a powerful symbol of the lawlessness and brutality often attributed to pirate crews.

Method

The process of walking the plank involved placing a wooden plank over the side of a ship, with one end secured to the deck. The victim, often bound or blindfolded, was then forced to walk along the plank until they fell into the sea. In many accounts, the victim was prodded with swords or pistols to ensure compliance.

The plank was typically extended over shark-infested waters, adding an additional element of terror to the execution. The victim's hands and feet might be bound to prevent them from swimming to safety, ensuring their demise.

Cultural Depictions

Walking the plank has been popularized in various forms of media, including books, films, and television. It is often portrayed as a dramatic and suspenseful scene, highlighting the ruthless nature of pirate captains and their crews.

One of the most famous depictions of walking the plank is found in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island, where the character Long John Silver uses the threat of the plank to maintain control over his crew.

Related pages

• Piracy
• Golden Age of Piracy
• Treasure Island
• Robert Louis Stevenson
• Execution methods