Born: 1685 (England)
Died: 1721
Biography:
Mary Read (1685 – 28 April 1721), also known as Mark Read, was an English pirate who played a significant role in the Golden Age of Piracy during the 18th century. Alongside Anne Bonny, she became one of the most famous and feared female pirates of her time. Mary’s life was marked by unique circumstances and a strong spirit that defied societal norms.
Born in England in 1685, Mary’s upbringing was far from conventional. After her mother’s first husband, a sailor, disappeared at sea, she married another man and became pregnant. To hide this scandalous second pregnancy, Mary’s mother went into hiding with friends in the countryside. Tragically, the baby boy died shortly after birth, and Mary was born in secret. When her mother visited her relatives, she presented young Mary as her first child, a boy, in order to continue receiving financial support from the boy’s grandmother. This ruse was successful, and they lived off the grandmother’s money until her passing.
At the age of 13, Mary began dressing as a boy and found work as a foot-boy, eventually securing a position on a ship. Later, she joined the British military, serving in a British Man of War and eventually a Regiment of Foot. Though Mary served courageously, she faced limitations due to her gender and the hierarchical nature of the military. Determined to break free from these constraints, she moved to the Netherlands and joined a Regiment of Horse allied with Dutch forces against the French. It was during this time that she fell in love with a Flemish soldier and married him. Utilizing their military commission and gifts from fellow soldiers, Mary acquired an inn called De drie hoefijzers (The Three Horseshoes) near Breda Castle.
However, tragedy struck once again when Mary’s husband passed away prematurely. Faced with the prospect of returning to a life constrained by gender expectations, Mary resumed dressing as a man and enlisted in the military once more. During her time in the Netherlands, she proved her mettle in battles, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. However, the allure of a life unfettered by societal norms beckoned, and Mary set her sights on the world of piracy.
In 1720, Mary crossed paths with Jack Rackham, commonly known as Calico Jack, and became a member of his pirate crew. She continued to masquerade as a man, ensuring her survival and acceptance among the predominantly male crew. It was during her time with Rackham that she formed a close bond with Anne Bonny, another fiercely independent female pirate. Together, Mary and Anne became a formidable force on the high seas, instilling fear into the hearts of their victims.
However, their success as pirates was short-lived. In November 1720, Rackham’s crew, including Mary and Anne, was apprehended by a British navy vessel. Rackham was swiftly executed, while Mary and Anne claimed to be pregnant, delaying their sentences. Sadly, Mary’s time as a pirate would be cut short by her premature death. In April 1721, she succumbed to a fever, leaving behind a legacy that defied gender expectations and inspired countless women who would come after her.
Mary Read’s life was an extraordinary testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who refused to conform to societal norms. Her journey from dressing as a boy to secure her inheritance to becoming a celebrated pirate serves as an inspiration to women throughout history. Defying gender roles and societal expectations, Mary challenged the status quo and left an indelible mark on women’s history.