Pirate Name: Mary Reade	Born:1690
Hailed from: London, England	Died:1721

Physical characteristics:

Early Life: She was the illigimate child of a widowed, and poor mother. In order to acquire money to raise the child, the mother went to visit her former mother-in-law (an aristocrat), and dressed Mary as a boy to disguise her as her deceased son (her son Mark) so the mother-in-law would be more inclined to contribute financially to the child's upbringing. She was given a small sum annually to raise Mary, but even so she kept her disguised as a boy for most of her early life. She was continually called "Mark" to ensure the charade in case of any future visits from the mother-in-law. She joined the military at a young age where she fell in love with a fellow soldier. They were married, and during her marriage, her and her husband ran a public house (or Inn), and Mary lived as a woman during this time...a happy one. It was not to last, as her husband died, and Mary left in search of adventure. She went back to the military as a man, but lost her zeal for soldiering. She ran off and joined a merchant ship's crew and headed out for a life upon the sea.

How she became a pirate: Mary was on a marchant ship sailing to the West Indes when her ship was attacked by Calico Jack Rackham and his crew (which included Anne Bonney). At the time she was dressed like a man, and was proficient with her sword. She was spared by her fighting skills, and joined the crew of Calico Jack Rackham.

Her main territory: Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and Mary Read spent most of their time in the Caribbean seas.

Famous/Infamous for: Mary had joined the crew of Calico Jack and Anne Bonny. Mary, disguised as a man was so convincing that Anne Bonny started to fall for her. When Mary revealed her true identity to Anne, they became fast friends and fought many battles side-by-side. They were respected and sometimes feared by other members of the crew. It was said by a female captive of theirs, that they were as fierce as the men they fought along side, and that their behavior was as crude as the men's. They were only different from the men by the largeness of their breasts.

Notable battles:

Finally met her end: She died from Scarlet Fever contracted in prison, and died before giving birth.

Biggest myths:

More Detailed Bio

Born in London, England, Mary (Mark) made her way to the Caribbean where she was conquered by and joined with Jack Rackham. She successfully avoided revealing her sex until Anne Bonny, also disguised as a man, fell for her. Mary revealed herself to Anne in private. Jack happened upon them in a jealous rage, thinking Anne was being unfaithful to him, Mary unmasked herself as a woman to him. Jack liked the idea of having two women on his ship and so allowed her to stay. Mary fell in love with a fellow pirate in Jack's crew. However this man was challenged to a duel by a big burley pirate. Mary took matters into her own hands, and rowed ashore in her lover's place. The pistols both fired, and both missed. Then there was a serious clash of blades. Although this man was much larger and stronger, Mary was quick with a sword, and very cunning. She avoided his blade successfully, and when the opportunity opened up, she tore her shirt open exposing her breasts throwing the pirate off guard. While he stood gaping at her, she took her cutlass and nearly decapitated him with it. After the duel, her and her sailor love were married. Shortly thereafter they were captured, taken to trial at St. Jago de la Vega, and were subsequently sentenced to hanging. Mary, pleading her pregnant belly (along with Anne Bonny) stood in court prior to being sent to prison (until her child was born) made this statement to the judge: "As to hanging, it is no great hardship. For were it not for that, every cowardly fellow would turn pirate and so unfit the sea, that men of courage would starve."