One of the two most famous female pirates, Mary read was born in the late 17th century around 1685. Wearing men's clothing so as to be more easily accepted, she spent
time in military service before being captured by Captain Calico Jack Rackam
and his piratical mistress Anne Bonny.

A hearty sort who spent a lifetime dressed as a man, she worked as a footman, a soldier, a sailor and an innkeeper then turned to piracy on the high seas.

Mary Read became a member of Calico Jacks pirate crew but it was not to last for long as the three were captured, tried for piracy and sentenced to hang in a court
at Jago de la Vega, Jamaica in 1721.

Both Mary Read and Anne Bonny were spared the hangmans noose when they declared both were pregnant thus delaying their executions. Mary Read died in jail of a fever. Ann Bonny according to legend was spirited away, and what became of her is unknown.