Mary Read
Table of Contents
There are only two known women to be convicted of piracy in the first decades of the 18th century, during what has since been called the golden age of piracy. Mary Read was one of these women and the only one known to have disguised herself as a man. This disguise did not last her entire pirating career, however, and her captain, Calico Rackham Jack, eventually discovered her gender. She remained with the crew nonetheless, and continued plundering and seafaring until her capture, imprisonment and death, in 1721.
Mary Read was born an illegitimate child sometime in the late 1600’s, reportedly to the widow of a sailor. She was introduced early in her life to the benefits of a male disguise when her mother would dress her like her deceased half-brother in order to receive financial support from his grandmother. The ruse worked, and the pair was able to live off of this inheritance for many years. When Mary came of age, she again disguised herself for the job of a footboy, and then as a young sailor. She even joined the British military under this disguise.
When Mary Read became bored with peacetime military service, she left for the West Indies and had her ship overtaken by pirates on the way. She was still in disguise and pressed into service aboard their ship, where she officially turned pirate and later joined the ship of famous pirate captain Calico Jack. Interestingly, the only other female pirate of the time, Anne Bonny, was also aboard the same ship, and a potential love affair between the two is what led to Mary Read’s gender becoming known to the crew.
In 1720, during a rum party in which most of Rackham’s crew was debilitatingly drunk, pirate hunter Jonathan Barnet ambushed them in the dead of night. Only Read, Anne Bonny and one other crewmember were fit for combat, and they were quickly overwhelmed, captured and imprisoned. The pirates were put on trial in Spanish Town, Jamaica, where all were sentenced to hang, although the two women managed to extend their lives by pleading their pregnancies. Mary Read, nonetheless, died in prison shortly thereafter, presumably of disease. There remains no record whatsoever of the baby she was reportedly pregnant with.
Mary Read: A Remarkable Life of Adventure and Intrigue
In the annals of history, few figures have captivated the imagination and sparked intrigue quite like Mary Read. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, mystery, and defiance of societal norms. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the life and exploits of Mary Read, a remarkable figure of the 18th century whose story continues to fascinate and inspire.
Early Life and Unusual Beginnings
Mary Read was born in England in the late 17th century, a time when gender roles and expectations were rigidly defined. Her early life was marked by uncertainty and disguise. From a young age, Mary’s mother, eager to secure financial support from her deceased son’s paternal grandmother, decided to disguise Mary as her deceased brother. Under the guise of “Mark Read,” Mary spent her formative years dressed as a boy, a masquerade that would shape her destiny in unforeseen ways.
A Life at Sea Beckons
As Mary grew older, she sought her own path and embarked on a journey that would define her legacy. At the age of 13, she joined the British military, where she displayed remarkable courage and proficiency in combat. Her military career took her to the battlefields of the Nine Years’ War, where she served as a foot soldier. It was during this time that she first tasted the liberating allure of life at sea.
Pirates and the Brotherhood of the Sea
The allure of the open ocean and a longing for freedom led Mary Read to piracy, a life that would prove as perilous as it was thrilling. She joined the crew of the infamous pirate Calico Jack, serving alongside another legendary female pirate, Anne Bonny. Together, they formed a formidable duo, challenging the conventional roles of women in the 18th century.
Acts of Daring and Defiance
Mary Read and Anne Bonny became known for their audacious raids and acts of piracy in the Caribbean. Their exploits were immortalized in tales of daring ship captures and fierce battles. One such incident involved Mary and Anne fiercely defending their ship against a naval attack, holding their own with unyielding resolve.
The Infamous Capture and Trial
As their reputation grew, so did the relentless pursuit of the authorities. In 1720, Calico Jack’s crew was finally captured by British naval forces. Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and their male crewmates faced trial for their crimes. Mary’s gender disguise was finally revealed, adding a layer of intrigue to her story.
Legacy and Enduring Fascination
Mary Read’s life came to a tragic end when she succumbed to illness while imprisoned. Her legacy, however, endures as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied societal norms, embraced adventure, and navigated treacherous waters with courage and determination.
In conclusion, Mary Read’s life is a remarkable chapter in the history of piracy and gender defiance. Her story continues to captivate and inspire, a testament to the enduring power of individuals who dare to chart their own course, regardless of the obstacles they face. Mary Read, the woman who lived as a man and sailed as a pirate, remains an iconic figure of the 18th century and a symbol of unyielding independence.
