The Rarity of Female Pirates in History: Mary Read and Anne Bonney

Throughout history, piracy has been predominantly associated with men. However, there are two notable exceptions that stand out in the annals of maritime adventure: Mary Read and Anne Bonney. This article explores the rarity of female pirates, delving into their lives and the historical context that allowed them to make their mark.

The Known Documented Female Pirates

When one thinks of pirates, terms like "frantic battles at sea" and "men in tattered clothes" typically come to mind. However, the only documented female pirates who sailed the seas were Mary Read and Anne Bonney. Both were part of the notorious crew of Jack Rackham, better known as Calico Jack.

Meet Anne Bonney and Jack Rackham

Anne Bonney, purportedly the lover of Jack Rackham, is one of the most famous female pirates. Her story is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. According to historical accounts, Anne Bonney was a fierce and skilled fighter. She fought alongside her male counterparts, even revealing herself to her enemies as a shock tactic.

Introducing Mary Read

Mary Read, on the other hand, is another remarkable figure in pirate lore. Like Anne Bonney, she fought valiantly and was considered one of the best fighters in Jack Rackham's crew. Mary and Anne both concealed their true gender while sailing, and one of the most notable incidents was when Mary fought a duel to protect her lover, the ship's carpenter.

Historical Context

The reasons behind the rare occurrence of female pirates are multifaceted. In a male-dominated world, women faced significant societal and cultural barriers. Being a pirate provided an unusual opportunity for women to challenge these norms. For Mary Read and Anne Bonney, sailing with Jack Rackham offered them a chance to prove themselves in a traditionally male domain.

Victims of Circumstance or Early Role Models?

Some argue that Mary Read and Anne Bonney were victims of circumstances, manipulated by the male-dominated pirate world. Others believe they were groundbreaking figures, early examples of women capable of proving their mettle in a male-dominated profession. Their stories highlight the complexity of gender roles in the early days of piracy.

Captivity and Aftermath

Their end was as dramatic as their rise. Mary Read and Anne Bonney, along with Jack Rackham, were captured in 1720. Jack Rackham was condemned to death, and Anne Bonney commended him: "I'm sorry to see you here, but you fought like a man. You need not have been hanged like a dog." Mary Read died in prison the following year, while Anne Bonney was released and her fate remains unknown.

Influence on Modern Fiction

These two remarkable figures have inspired countless stories and works of fiction. In my own writings, I have woven the characters of Blackbeard and Jean Florin into my tales. However, the inspiration from Quora to include female pirates in the next iteration of the Cold Steel series is a testament to their enduring legacy. The historic footnote of Mary Read and Anne Bonney continues to enthrall and inspire.

Conclusion

While rare, the presence of Mary Read and Anne Bonney in the world of piracy is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of women. Their stories challenge us to think critically about gender roles and empower us to envision a world where gender does not dictate one's potential.