All Episodes

December 6, 2024 13 mins
Welcome to our podcast on the infamous pirate Mary Read, one of the most intriguing and enigmatic figures of the Golden Age of Piracy. Today, we'll delve into the life, legends, and legacy of a woman who defied societal norms and became one of the most notorious pirates of her time. Our story begins in England around 1695, where Mary Read was born into a world of deception and hardship. According to Captain Charles Johnson's "A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates," Mary's mother was married to a sailor who abandoned the family, leaving her pregnant with Mary as a result of an affair. After the death of Mary's half-brother, her mother, desperate for financial support, began dressing Mary as a boy to receive money from her deceased son's paternal grandmother. This early experience of living as a boy would shape Mary's entire life and set the stage for her future adventures. As a young teenager, Mary continued to dress as a male, first working as a servant and then seeking a life at sea. However, the maritime world was strictly off-limits to women, forcing Mary to maintain her male disguise. Mary's journey took an unexpected turn when she joined the military in Flanders. During her time as a soldier, she proved herself to be brave and capable, earning the respect of her comrades. It was here that Mary experienced her first taste of love, falling for a fellow soldier. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she revealed her true identity to him, and the two eventually married. Following their marriage, Mary and her husband opened an inn near Breda Castle in the Netherlands, which they named "De drie hoefijzers" (The Three Horseshoes). This period of domestic life was short-lived, however, as Mary's husband soon passed away, leaving her a widow. Faced with the harsh realities of life as a single woman in the early 18th century, Mary once again donned male attire and returned to military service in the Netherlands. However, with peacetime offering little opportunity for advancement, she decided to seek her fortune across the Atlantic, boarding a ship bound for the West Indies. It was during this voyage that Mary's life would take a dramatic turn. Her ship was captured by pirates, and she found herself faced with a choice: join the pirate crew or face certain death. Mary chose to embrace the pirate life, marking the beginning of her career as a buccaneer. The world Mary entered was one of constant conflict and shifting allegiances. The early 18th century saw European powers vying for control of lucrative trade routes in the Caribbean and along the American coast. This political climate created an environment ripe for piracy, as nations often turned a blind eye to pirates who targeted their enemies' ships. Piracy during this era operated under a unique set of rules and practices. Many pirate crews adhered to a code or articles that outlined the rights and responsibilities of each member. These articles often included provisions for the fair division of plunder, compensation for injuries sustained in battle, and rules of conduct. This democratic approach to shipboard life was in stark contrast to the rigid hierarchies found on naval and merchant vessels of the time. Mary quickly adapted to this new way of life, her years of living as a man serving her well in the male-dominated world of piracy. She proved herself to be a skilled fighter and a valuable crew member, earning the respect of her fellow pirates.In 1718, Mary took advantage of a royal pardon offered to pirates who surrendered, briefly returning to legitimate maritime work as a privateer. However, this respite from piracy was short-lived. Mary soon found herself part of a crew that mutinied against their captain, once again embracing the life of a pirate. It was during this time that Mary's path crossed with two individuals who would become inextricably linked with her legend: Anne Bonny and John "Calico Jack" Rackham. In 1720, Mary joined Rackham's crew, where she met Anne Bonny, another female pirate who had been disguising herself as a man. The relationship between Mary, Anne, and Calico Jack is one of the most fascinating aspects of Mary's story. According to legend, Anne was initially attracted to Mary, believing her to be a man. When Mary revealed her true identity to Anne, the two women formed a close bond. To quell Rackham's jealousy, Anne revealed Mary's secret to him as well. The presence of two female pirates on Rackham's ship was extraordinary for the time and has contributed significantly to the enduring fascination with their story. Both Mary and Anne were known for their fierce fighting skills, often leading the charge in battles and boarding actions. Speculation about the nature of Mary and Anne's relationship has persisted for centuries. Some historians suggest they may have been lovers, while others describe them as close friends and confidantes. Regardless of the exact nature of their relationship, it's c
Mark as Played
Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Prepare to set sail on a thrilling journey into the
treacherous waters of the Golden Age of piracy. From the
sun drenched Caribbean to the shadowy coves of the Mediterranean.
Will uncover tales of daring exploits, legendary battles, and the
infamous rogues who defied the law and carve their names
into history. Join us as we delve into the lives

(00:22):
of notorious pirates, explore their hidden treasures, and reveal the
secrets of their audacious adventures. This is a pirate's life,
Mary Reid. Today we'll delve into the life, legends, and
legacy of a woman who defied societal norms and became
one of the most notorious pirates of her time. Our
story begins in England around sixteen ninety five, where Mary

(00:45):
Reid was born into a world of deception and hardship.
According to Captain Charles Johnson's A General History of the
Robberies and Murders of the most Notorious Pirates, Mary's mother
was married to a sailor who abandoned the family, leaving
her pregnant with Mary as a result of an affair.
After the death of Mary's half brother. Her mother, desperate

(01:05):
for financial support, began dressing Mary as a boy to
receive money from her deceased son's paternal grandmother. This early
experience of living as a boy would shape Mary's entire
life and set the stage for her future adventures. As
a young teenager, Mary continued to dress as a male,
first working as a servant and then seeking a life

(01:27):
at sea. However, the maritime world was strictly off limits
to women, forcing Mary to maintain her male disguise. Mary's
journey took an unexpected turn when she joined the military
in Flanders. During her time as a soldier, she proved
herself to be brave and capable, earning the respect of
her comrades. It was here that Mary experienced her first

(01:49):
taste of love, falling for a fellow soldier. In a
rare moment of vulnerability, she revealed her true identity to him,
and the two eventually married. Following their marriage, Mary and
her husband opened an inn near Breda Castle in the Netherlands,
which they named De drie Hofezers the Three Horseshoes. This

(02:09):
period of domestic life was short lived, however, as Mary's
husband soon passed away, leaving her a widow, faced with
the harsh realities of life as a single woman. In
the early eighteenth century, Mary once again donned male attire
and returned to military service in the Netherlands. However, with
peacetime offering little opportunity for advancement, she decided to seek

(02:31):
her fortune across the Atlantic, boarding a ship bound for
the West Indies. It was during this voyage that Mary's
life would take a dramatic turn. Her ship was captured
by pirates and she found herself faced with a choice
joined the pirate crew or face certain death. Mary chose
to embrace the pirate life, marking the beginning of her

(02:53):
career as a buccaneer. The world Mary entered was one
of constant conflict and shifting allegiances. The early eighteenth century
saw European powers vying for control of lucrative trade routes
in the Caribbean and along the American coast. This political
climate created an environment ripe for piracy, as nations often

(03:13):
turned a blind eye to pirates who targeted their enemy's ships.
Piracy during this era operated under a unique set of
rules and practices. Many pirate crews adhered to a code
or articles that outlined the rights and responsibilities of each member.
These articles often included provisions for the fair division of plunder,
compensation for injuries sustained in battle, and rules of conduct.

(03:38):
This democratic approach to shipboard life was in stark contrast
to the rigid hierarchies found on naval and merchant vessels
of the time. Mary quickly adapted to this new way
of life, her years of living as a man serving
her well in the male dominated world of piracy. She
proved herself to be a skilled fighter and a valuable

(03:58):
crew member, earning the respect of her fellow pirates. In
seventeen eighteen, Mary took advantage of a royal pardon offered
to pirates who surrendered, briefly returning to legitimate maritime work
as a privateer. However, this respite from piracy was short lived.
Mary soon found herself part of a crew that mutinied
against their captain, once again embracing the life of a pirate.

(04:22):
It was during this time that Mary's path crossed with
two individuals who would become inextricably linked with her legend,
Anne Bonnie and John Calico Jack Rackham. In seventeen twenty,
Mary joined Rackham's crew, where she met Anne Bonnie, another
female pirate who had been disguising herself as a man.
The relationship between Mary, Anne and Calico Jack is one

(04:44):
of the most fascinating aspects of Mary's story. According to legend,
Anne was initially attracted to Mary, believing her to be
a man. When Mary revealed her true identity to Anne,
the two women formed a close bond. To quell Rackham's jealousy,
Anne revealed Mary's secret to him as well. The presence
of two female pirates on Rackham's ship was extraordinary for

(05:07):
the time and has contributed significantly to the enduring fascination
with their story. Both Mary and Anne were known for
their fierce fighting skills, often leading the charge in battles
and boarding actions. Speculation about the nature of Mary and
Anne's relationship has persisted for centuries. Some historians suggest they
may have been lovers, while others described them as close

(05:30):
friends and confidantes. Regardless of the exact nature of their relationship,
it's clear that Mary and Anne shared a deep connection
and mutual respect. Mary's time with Rackham's crew was marked
by daring raids and fierce battles. They primarily targeted smaller
merchant and passenger vessels, a common tactic among pirates, who

(05:52):
often preferred to avoid prolonged battles with well armed ships.
This strategy allowed them to amass considerable wealth while minimizing risk.
One of the most dramatic moments in Mary's pirrating career
came during a confrontation with another member of Rackham's crew.
According to legend, Mary had fallen in love with a

(06:12):
young man on the ship. When this man was challenged
to a duel by a more experienced pirate, Mary feared
for her lover's life. Taking matters into her own hands,
she provoked a quarrel with the challenger and arranged for
their duel to take place before her lover's scheduled fight.
Using her years of military experience, Mary quickly dispatched her opponent,

(06:34):
saving her lover's life and cementing her reputation as a
fearsome fighter. The tactics employed by pirates like Mary Reid
were often sophisticated. They took advantage of the prevailing winds
and currents, used smaller, faster ships to outmaneuver larger vessels,
and employed deception by flying false flags to approach unsuspecting targets.

(06:56):
Mary's military background likely contributed to the strategic planning of
their raids and battles. However, Mary's career as a pirate
was relatively short lived. In October seventeen twenty, Rackham's ship
was cornered by pirate hunter Captain Jonathan Barnett off the
coast of Jamaica. According to eyewitness accounts, most of Rackham's

(07:17):
crew were too drunk to put up much of a fight.
Mary and Anne, however, fought fiercely, berating their male companions
for their cowardice. Despite their valiant efforts, Mary, Anne, and
the rest of Rackham's crew were captured and taken to
Jamaica to stand trial. The trial was a sensation, not
least because of the presence of two female pirates among

(07:38):
the accused. On November twenty eighth, seventeen twenty, Mary and
Anne were tried separately from the men, but faced the
same terrible charge piracy. The trial documents provide fascinating insights
into Mary's character and reputation. One witness, Dorothy Thomas, described
Mary and Anne as both very profligate, cursing and swearing much,

(08:00):
and very ready and willing to do anything. On board.
This testimony paints a picture of Mary as a fierce
and uncompromising pirate, fully committed to her chosen way of life. Mary,
along with Anne and the male crew members, was found
guilty of piracy and sentenced to death by hanging. However,
in a dramatic turn of events, both Mary and Anne

(08:21):
pled their bellies, claiming to be pregnant. This plea for
mercy was a common tactic for condemned women of the time,
as English law forbade the execution of pregnant women. The
court ordered that Mary and Anne be examined by a
jury of matrons, who confirmed their pregnancies. As a result,
their executions were stayed. This reprieve would prove permanent for Mary,

(08:44):
though not in the way she might have hoped. Mary
Read's final days were spent in a Jamaican prison, where
she fell ill with a fever likely typhoid. Despite her pregnancy,
the harsh conditions of the prison took their toll, and
Mary died in April seventeen twenty one. She was buried
on April twenty eighth in Saint Catharine's Church in Jamaica.

(09:06):
The fate of Mary's child remains a mystery. There is
no record of the burial of her baby, suggesting that
she may have died while still pregnant. This tragic end
to Mary's life adds another layer of poignancy to her
already dramatic story. While Mary Reid's life was cut short,
her legacy has lived on for centuries. Along with Anne Bonnie,

(09:26):
she has become one of the most famous female pirates
in history, her story captivating audiences for generations. The tale
of a woman who defied societal norms, lived as a man,
and became a feared pirate has all the elements of
a thrilling adventure story. In popular culture, Mary Reid has
been depicted numerous times in books, films, and television shows.

(09:48):
Her story has been adapted and reimagined countless times, from
historical novels to fantasy pirate tales. The image of Mary
and Anne fighting side by side, pistols blazing and swords flashing,
has become an iconic representation of female empowerment in a
male dominated world. One of the most significant depictions of

(10:09):
Mary Reid in recent years has been in the television
series Black Sales, which presents a gritty and realistic portrayal
of the Golden Age of piracy. While the show takes
some liberties with historical accuracy, it captures the spirit of
Mary's story and the complex dynamics of pirate society. Mary
Reid's influence extends beyond mere entertainment. Her story has been

(10:32):
used to explore themes of gender identity, sexuality, and women's
roles in society. The fact that she lived much of
her life as a man, both by necessity and choice,
has made her a figure of interest in discussions about
gender fluidity and the social constructs of gender. In academic circles,
Mary Reid's life has been the subject of much study

(10:53):
and debate. Historians have poured over the limited records of
her life, attempting to separate fact from fiction and understand
the realities of life for a female pirate in the
eighteenth century. Her story provides valuable insights into the social
and economic conditions of the time, the nature of piracy,
and the roles available to women who sought lives outside

(11:15):
of traditional societal norms. As we conclude our exploration of
Mary Reid's life, were left with a complex portrait of
a woman who lived life on her own terms in
a world that offered few options for those of her gender.
From her early years living as a boy to support
her family, to her time as a soldier to her
brief but impactful career as a pirate, Mary consistently defied

(11:38):
expectations and carved out her own path. Her story reminds
us of a time when the lines between law and crime,
between nations and individuals were often blurred, and when a
determined individual could rise from obscurity to become one of
the most notorious pirates of the age. Mary reads life
with its dramatic twigsists and turns, its moments of triumph

(12:02):
and tragedy, encapsulates many of the elements that have made
the Golden Age of piracy such an enduring source of fascination.
In the end, Mary Reid remains something of an enigma,
her true nature obscured by the mists of time and
the embellishments of legend, but her impact on our collective
imagination is undeniable. As long as there are tales of

(12:23):
adventure on the high seas, the name Mary Reid will
continue to evoke images of a fierce woman standing on
the deck of a pirate ship, pistol in hand, ready
to take on the world. Her legacy serves as a
reminder that history is full of extraordinary individuals who challenge
the norms of their time, paving the way for future
generations to question and redefine societal expectations. Mary Reid's brief

(12:49):
but impactful life continues to inspire and intrigue us, a
testament to the enduring power of her remarkable story. This
has been a Quiet Please production for Venturous Podcast on
all of the most notorious pirates in our Pirate's Life collection.
Please visit Quiet Please dot Ai. Thank you for listening.
Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.