Mary Read Pirate girl Country: Great Britain

Biography of Mary Read

Mary Read was born in London to a sailor father and a young mother. Her father left her mother while she was pregnant, and Mary was born a few months later. Her mother then moved to the countryside and raised Mary as a boy to maintain their reputation.

After four years, they returned to London, but her mother passed away soon after. Mary joined the military and served in both the infantry and cavalry. However, she didn't receive any promotions and eventually left the army.

Mary then dressed as a man and worked as a waiter in a wealthy lady's house. Unsatisfied with her job, she joined a military ship and later a foot regiment in Flanders. Despite her bravery in battles, she couldn't progress in her military career. She then joined the cavalry, where she gained respect from other officers.

During her time in the military, Mary fell in love with a fellow soldier, who turned out to be a man. They got married and opened a tavern called "The Three Horseshoes" near Breda, Netherlands.

After her husband's death and a decline in business, Mary dressed as a man again and joined a Dutch ship sailing to the West Indies. The ship was captured by English pirates, who left Mary on their pirate ship without realizing she was a woman.

Mary and the other pirates received a pardon from the king but soon returned to piracy. She claimed to have been forced into the life of a pirate and denied committing any crimes. However, witnesses testified that she was one of the most daring and committed pirates.

Mary's ship encountered Captain Jack Rackham and his lover Anne Bonny, who fell in love with Mary, mistaking her for a young man. Mary revealed her true identity to Anne, causing tension with Captain Rackham. Despite this, they formed a strong friendship and kept Mary's secret.

Mary and Anne continued their pirate activities, and Mary fell in love with another crew member. They got married, and Mary soon became pregnant. However, in October 1720, Mary, Anne, and Rackham were captured by the Governor of Jamaica.

During the trial, Mary declared her love for her husband and denied any wrongdoings. Although sympathizing with her, the court couldn't prevent her execution due to the evidence against her. However, her execution was postponed due to her pregnancy.

Unfortunately, Mary died in prison from a severe fever before her scheduled execution.