Mary Read and Anne Bonny are two of the most famous female pirates in history. Their stories are filled with adventure, intrigue, and a bit of mystery, making them legendary figures in pirate lore. Here’s an overview of their lives and exploits:
### Mary Read
– **Early Life**: Mary Read was born in England, likely in the late 17th century. She had a unique upbringing; her mother disguised her as a boy to secure financial support from her late husband’s family, and she continued to live as a male through much of her life.
– **Military Career**: Read joined the British military disguised as a man, serving in the army and possibly the navy. She was noted for her bravery in combat and gained respect among her peers.
– **Turning to Piracy**: After leaving the military, Read’s life took a turn when she joined a pirate crew, again disguised as a man. She eventually ended up on a ship commanded by “Calico Jack” Rackham, where she met Anne Bonny.
### Anne Bonny
– **Early Life**: Anne Bonny was born in Ireland in the late 17th century. She later moved to South Carolina with her family. Bonny had a fiery temperament, and her rebellious streak often caused conflict with her family.
– **Pirate Life**: Bonny ran away to the Bahamas and married James Bonny, a pirate. However, her real connection to piracy came when she met “Calico Jack” Rackham. She joined Rackham’s crew, dressed in male attire, and quickly proved her worth as a pirate.
### Partnership and Piracy
– **Pirate Adventures**: Mary Read and Anne Bonny became well-known for their boldness and combat skills. They often fought alongside their male crewmates, with some accounts suggesting they were even fiercer in battle. They were part of Rackham’s crew during its infamous exploits in the Caribbean.
– **Capture and Imprisonment**: The careers of Read and Bonny ended in 1720 when their ship was captured by a British naval vessel. During the raid, most of the male crew members, including Rackham, were either drunk or incapacitated. However, Read and Bonny fought bravely but were eventually subdued and taken prisoner.
– **Their Fate**: Both women were sentenced to hang, but their executions were postponed because they were pregnant. Mary Read died in prison, likely due to a fever. Anne Bonny’s fate is less certain—some sources suggest she escaped or was pardoned, but there’s no definitive record of what happened to her.
These stories have been romanticized in literature, films, and other media, reinforcing the enduring fascination with these legendary female pirates.
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