Prologue: The Gleam of a Sword Tearing Through the Storm
A pirate ship sailed through the raging waves.
On its deck, a woman brandished her sword, ready to meet the enemy’s attack head-on.
A sharp glint and unwavering resolve burned in her eyes.
Mary Read
Disguised as a man and wielding a sword,
her life was as fierce as a storm and has been passed down through history like a legend.
She was a rare adventurer who carved out her own path, unbound by gender or circumstance.
This is the story of her turbulent life and the unwavering friendship she shared with the equally fearless Anne Bonny.
Chapter 1: Early Life
Mary Read was born around 1690 in a poor household on the outskirts of London.
Her mother had married a sailor at a young age and given birth to a son, William.
However, her husband set sail on a voyage and never returned.
She became pregnant again without remarrying.
In 18th-century society, for an unmarried woman or widow to bear a child was considered a major scandal,
often leading to criticism and social exclusion.
This situation brought great hardship upon her mother.
To conceal her indiscretion, her mother claimed she was going to live with a friend in the countryside.
Taking her son with her, she left London behind.
There, she gave birth to a baby girl.
That child was Mary.
Chapter 2: The Beginning of a Life in Disguise
Mary’s mother was struggling financially, living a life of poverty.
In order to secure financial support, she decided to return to London, where her late husband’s mother lived.
However, her son William fell ill and passed away.
Tragedy struck the family once again.
With her son gone, there was no longer any reason for her late husband’s mother to provide financial support.
Mary’s mother was left in despair.
Mother:
“This… this isn’t enough to survive…”
“What am I supposed to do?”
Sobbing, her mother counted the little money she had over and over again.
Amidst her despair, a plan suddenly came to her—one that could turn the situation around.
Mother:
“I’ll disguise Mary as the deceased William.”
“That way, I can still receive financial support.”
Mother:
“Mary, listen to me.”
“From today, you are William.”
Mary Read:
“William…?”
Mother:
“You will take your brother’s place.”
“If you don’t, we’ll have no choice but to starve.”
At her mother’s stern words, young Mary could only nod.
Though confused by the loss of her own name, a small but determined desire to help her mother began to grow within her.
After years of struggling in poverty, Mary’s mother returned to London once again,
seeking support from her late husband’s mother.
To secure financial support, she dressed her daughter Mary as a boy and passed her off as her late husband’s son, William.
Thus began Mary’s life of being raised as a boy under the care of her grandmother.
Mary Read:
“Why can’t I just be a girl?”
Mother:
“Mary, listen carefully.”
“No one will help us if you remain a girl.”
“This is the only way for us to survive.”
“If your grandmother stops supporting us, we won’t even have food to eat.”
“To stay alive, you must live as a boy.”
Dressed in her brother’s clothes and with her hair cut short, Mary obeyed her mother’s words,
Though her heart was filled with uncertainty and loneliness.
From that moment on, she was called “William” more often than her real name.
Her mother’s words felt cold and weighed heavily on her young heart.
Yet, even in such a harsh environment, she endured with unwavering resilience.
At times, she struggled with the conflict of living as a boy.
Yet, even as a child, she began to harbor a strong will deep within her heart.
When she was around 13, her grandmother passed away.
She was then sent to work as a servant for a wealthy French lady and, in time, secured a position aboard a warship.
Chapter 3: A Soldier in Disguise
As Mary grew older, she enlisted in the military while continuing to disguise herself as a man.
On the battlefields of Europe, she distinguished herself through her swordsmanship and bravery.
The battlefield was filled with the mingled scent of scorched grass and dry earth.
In the distance, the neighing of horses echoed, and the clash of spears carried on the wind.
Mary realized that her hand, gripping the sword tightly, was damp with sweat.
Mary Read:
“…So this is the battlefield…”
She swallowed hard, her eyes scanning her surroundings.
Soldiers clad in armor marched forward, ready to risk their lives in battle.
Fear threatened to paralyze her, but she took a deep breath and steeled herself, whispering inwardly.
Mary Read:
“I am William. There is no place for weakness here.”
Feeling her heartbeat quicken, she raised her sword, ready for battle.
The enemy soldiers were closing in before her.
She knew instinctively that if she looked away, even for a moment, her head would be severed.
At the first clash, swords met with a sharp ring, sending sparks flying into the air.
The enemy’s blade grazed her cheek, barely missing its mark.
Fear threatened to overtake Mary, but she shook it off and brought her sword down with all her strength.
Mary Read:
“Uaaahhhhhh!”
The impact of metal against metal reverberated through her arm.
Before she could even process that she had struck her opponent’s armor, the next enemy was already upon her.
But—at that moment, she realized something.
Mary Read:
“I… I’m alive…!”
The fear hadn’t vanished.
But she swallowed it down, and in its place, a newfound resolve to move forward was born.
Chapter 4: Meeting James
The camp was bathed in moonlight.
As a soldier, Mary stood guard during the night watch.
While the other soldiers laughed loudly among themselves, she quietly sharpened her sword.
At that moment, a fellow soldier approached and spoke to her.
James:
“William, you’re really skilled with a sword.”
“Where did you learn to fight?”
Mary Read:
“My family had some fencing equipment at home.”
The soldier’s name was James.
Drawn to Mary’s dedication and discipline, he gradually came to trust her.
One day, Mary made a bold decision—she revealed her true identity.
Mary Read:
“Actually… I’m a woman.”
James:
“So what?”
“You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met.”
“And on the battlefield, you’re stronger than most of us.”
“Gender doesn’t matter.”
Amidst the fires of war, the two grew closer, their bond strengthening with each battle.
In time, they fell in love.
For Mary, James was the first person who truly understood her.
Chapter 5: Days of Happiness
With the war behind them, freed from the days of blood and sweat, the two settled in a small village.
James:
“We can live peacefully here.”
Mary Read:
“Yes, let’s start from here—our new life together.”
They rented an old building and decided to run an inn.
As they repainted the peeling walls and repaired broken chairs, their laughter filled the air.
Mary Read:
“I’ve fixed this chair so many times… I think I might be the one to break next.”
James:
“Don’t say that.”
“Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
On the day their first guest arrived,
James eagerly wiped down the tables while Mary prepared a warm pot of soup in the kitchen.
Little by little, their inn gained a reputation, becoming a beloved place among the locals.
Guest:
“This soup is truly delicious.”
“It feels just like home.”
Mary:
“Thank you.”
“It would make me happy if this place could be a haven for everyone.”
As peaceful days continued, the two would sit close together at night, sharing dreams of their future.
James:
“One day, let’s build a bigger inn.”
Mary:
“Yes, and when we do, I want to plant a flower garden.”
Chapter 6: Farewell to James
But their happiness did not last long.
James fell ill with a high fever and became bedridden.
Mary Read:
“James, you’ll be okay.”
“I swear I’ll find a way to heal you.”
Holding his hand tightly, she desperately searched for medicinal herbs and doctors, doing everything in her power.
But the illness showed no mercy, slowly consuming him.
One night, in a frail voice, James spoke.
James:
“Mary… even if I’m gone, you have to keep moving forward.”
Mary Read:
“Don’t say that… I have no one but you.”
He took his final breath in her arms, his body growing still.
In that moment, it felt as if a gaping hole had opened in Mary’s heart.
Mary:
“James… The days I spent with you will always be my greatest treasure.”
Standing before his grave, the fire of adventure rekindled within her.
Mary Read:
“I will carve out my own path once more.”
And so, she set foot on a lonely journey once again.
Chapter 7 – Becoming a Pirate
Mary once again donned men’s clothing and boarded a ship bound for the West Indies, sailing peacefully across the open sea.
But one day, without warning, a black-sailed ship appeared on the horizon.
A tattered flag bearing a skull and crossbones fluttered ominously in the wind.
As the crew turned pale with fear, Mary remained calm, carefully assessing the situation.
Mary Read:
“That’s… pirates!”
“If I just stand here and do nothing… I’ll die.”
As panic spread throughout the ship, Mary had already made up her mind.
The pirate ship drew closer, and soon, the enemy crew boarded.
With swords swinging, they swiftly overpowered the ship’s crew one by one.
Amidst the chaos, one man stood out more than the rest.
John Rackham—better known as Calico Jack.
John Rackham:
“Well then, gentlemen.”
“If you value your lives, make your choice—sail with us and rule the seas, or die here.”
As the crew knelt trembling on the deck, Mary met his gaze head-on, unwavering.
Mary Read:
“I… choose to live.”
“I cannot afford to die just yet.”
At her words, John smirked, a sly grin spreading across his face.
John Rackham:
“You’ve got a sharp look in your eyes.”
“I think you might be useful.”
“Join us.”
And so, Mary became a member of John Rackham’s pirate crew.
Chapter 8: Meeting Anne Bonny
Life aboard the pirate ship had begun, and Mary gradually adapted to her new environment.
Still disguised as a man, most of the crew assumed she was just another young sailor.
But among them, one person took a particular interest in her—a red-haired crew member.
Anne Bonny.
From the very beginning, Anne mistook Mary for a “handsome young man.”
Anne Bonny:
“Hey, where are you from?”
Mary Read:
“Does it matter?”
“Why do you ask?”
Anne Bonny:
“Because I’m just interested… in you.”
Mary hesitated at her words but said nothing, continuing to polish her sword.
Yet, Anne didn’t back down—she kept finding ways to get closer to her.
Anne Bonny:
“Why don’t you have a drink with me tonight?”
“I’m bored.”
“And you don’t have anything better to do, do you?”
Mary Read:
“…I suppose.”
“Just for a little while.”
As they drank together, Anne leaned in even closer, her curiosity about Mary only growing stronger.
Anne Bonny:
“I never thought I’d meet someone like you on a ship like this.”
Mary Read:
“…You don’t even know what kind of person I really am.”
One evening, as they sat alone by the fire, Anne’s expression suddenly turned serious.
Anne Bonny:
“Hey… there’s something I need to tell you.”
Mary Read:
“What is it?”
Anne Bonny:
“The truth is… I’m a woman.”
Anne Bonny:
“This is the real me.”
Mary was surprised, but a small smile crossed her lips.
Mary Read:
“Is that so…?”
“Well, you’re not the only one.”
“I’m a woman, too.”
This time, it was Anne who widened her eyes in shock and exclaimed.
Anne Bonny:
“W-What!?”
“You’re joking, right?”
Mary Read:
“It’s not joking.”
Mary Read:
“This is the real me.”
“I’ve been hiding it all along.”
Anne froze for a moment—then suddenly burst into laughter.
Anne Bonny:
“Oh no!”
“That means I was flirting with you this whole time, thinking you were some handsome guy!”
“How ridiculous!”
Mary couldn’t help but laugh along with her.
Mary Read:
“Then we’re even.”
“I thought you were a man, too.”
“And I never imagined I’d be sharing such a secret with another woman.”
This exchange marked the beginning of an even deeper friendship between them.
It was a bond that transcended gender and status, becoming a source of strength as they faced the harsh life of piracy together.
Chapter 8: Jack Rackham’s Jealousy and the Confession of Truth
Mary and Anne’s growing closeness began to stir rumors among the crew.
John Rackham, both Anne’s lover and the leader of the pirate crew, furrowed his brows every time he heard the whispers.
John Rackham:
“Anne, you’ve been getting awfully close to that kid lately.”
Anne Bonny:
“It’s nothing.”
“Mary—no, William is just interesting to be around, that’s all.”
But Anne’s casual words did little to ease John’s suspicions.
Eventually, he decided to confront Mary directly.
That night, he called Mary over and had her sit by the fire.
John:
“William, there’s something I need to ask you.”
Mary Read:
“What is it?”
John Rackham:
“Your relationship with Anne.”
“Why is she so fixated on you?”
Mary Read:
“We’re just friends.”
“Nothing more, nothing less.”
John Rackham:
“I don’t care about that.
“But you’re hiding something, aren’t you?
“Answer me honestly.”
Mary Read:
“Very well.”
“I’ll tell you the truth… I am a woman.”
John Rackham:
“…What?”
“You’d better not be joking.”
Mary Read:
“It’s not joking.”
Mary Read:
“This is my true self.”
John was struck speechless with shock, but soon, a smile began to creep across his lips.
John Rackham:
“Well, isn’t that something…?”
“You’re good at keeping secrets!”
“I had no idea!”
After a moment, he burst into laughter, slapping his knee as he shouted.
He laughed for a while before finally looking Mary in the eye and speaking again.
John Rackham:
“But you know what?”
“I don’t care if you’re a woman.”
“Your skills speak for themselves.”
“And whatever is going on between you and Anne… it’s none of my concern.”
“I respect you.”
Mary Read:
“Thank you, John.”
“That’s a relief to hear.”
Hearing his words, Mary let out a quiet breath, her shoulders relaxing as a gentle smile crossed her lips.
Thus, Mary’s secret was revealed to John, but it did nothing to shake her position.
On the contrary, John found the situation “interesting” and grew to trust her even more.
With the two now sharing a secret, the dynamics aboard the ship became even more complex.
Yet, in a strange way, this only served to strengthen the unusual bond between them.
Chapter 9: Seizing the William
On August 22, 1720, Jack Rackham, along with Anne, Mary, and a handful of loyal crew members,
boldly seized the privateer sloop William, commanded by Captain John Ham.
Under the cover of midnight, they slipped into the harbor,
Waiting for the perfect moment when the guards were at their weakest.
Jack Rackham:
“Listen up.”
“We take the ship while they sleep.”
“No mistakes.”
Anne Bonny:
“So this will be our new ship? Exciting!”
Mary Read:
“Keep your voice down, Anne.”
“If we get caught, it’s over.”
Moving swiftly, Mary and Anne slipped onto the deck, skillfully restraining the unsuspecting crew one by one.
In a matter of moments, they completed their takeover, and at last, the William was theirs.
As dawn broke, the ship quietly set sail from the harbor, drifting into the open sea—like the eerie calm before a coming storm.
Jack Rackham:
“Now, we are free!”
“We’ll rule the seas!”
And so, with Captain Jack Rackham at the helm and two fierce women by his side, a new chapter of piracy began.
Chapter 10 – A Duel to the Death
Mary had a secret lover aboard the pirate ship—someone she held close to her heart.
Her lover had gotten into a heated argument with another pirate aboard the ship, and it had escalated into a duel.
Mary wanted to stop him, but she knew that interfering would brand him a coward in the eyes of the crew.
Torn by the situation, she made a bold decision—to take matters into her own hands and protect him in her own way.
That night, she approached the man set to duel her lover.
The flickering firelight cast shadows across his face as he looked up at her.
Mary Read:
“So, you’re the one dueling my lover.”
Man:
“Yeah, and what of it?”
Mary locked eyes with him, her gaze unwavering, and spoke firmly.
Mary Read:
“I am William.”
“I will fight the duel in his place.”
Man:
“What? For that coward? Fine.”
“But only if you think you can defeat me.”
She gripped her sword firmly and set the duel for two hours later.
At sunrise, the duel began.
Tension filled the air as Mary fixed her opponent with a sharp, unwavering gaze.
The clash of steel rang through the air as they engaged in a fierce battle.
Within minutes, Mary struck with precision, landing a fatal blow to her opponent’s vital spot.
The man gasped before collapsing, lifeless. The duel was over.
The surrounding crew stood in stunned silence, holding their breath as they watched the scene unfold.
Sailor A:
“William is truly incredible… I’ve never seen a fight like that.”
Mary lowered her sword, maintaining a calm exterior, but inside, her heart was pounding.
Mary Read:
“Now… he is safe.”
Lover:
“Thank you, Mary… You risked your life for me.”
Mary Read:
“Of course I did.”
“Just like you once did for me.”
And so, Mary had successfully protected her lover.
Her name became even more renowned aboard the pirate ship, solidifying her legend among the crew.
Chapter 11: If We Were Reborn
Mary sat on the deck, gazing out at the night waves.
The sea breeze gently tousled her hair.
Anne Bonny:
“…What are you doing out here?”
Mary Read:
“…Just thinking.”
Anne Bonny:
“About what?”
Mary Read:
“Someday… maybe living in a place without the sea, somewhere quiet, wouldn’t be so bad.”
Anne Bonny:
“You? Seriously?”
Mary Read:
“I don’t know.”
“But I think… one day, fighting all the time will wear me down.”
“Having a place to truly rest when that day comes… doesn’t sound so bad.”
Anne Bonny:
“…Then, if you’re reborn someday, why not try it?”
Mary Read:
“Yeah… If I were born again, I’d choose a life of peace, without battles.”
Chapter 12: A Brave Battle and Friendship
Life as a pirate was harsh, but Mary and Anne survived by relying on each other.
In October 1720, off the northern coast of Jamaica, Rackham’s pirate ship was intercepted by a vessel commanded by Captain Jonathan Barnet, dispatched by the Governor of the Bahamas.
The deafening roar of cannon fire shattered the night sky.
With the thunderous explosion, a fierce battle against the enemy ship began.
The ship lurched violently as the scent of gunpowder filled the deck.
On a night when a storm had only just passed, the silence was torn apart by the thunderous roar of cannon fire.
Crew:
“We’re under attack!”
“It’s the Governor’s warship!”
As the Bahamas Governor’s warship closed in, the pirates began dropping their weapons one by one.
Even John Rackham and the other men fled below deck, seeking refuge in the hold.
Anne and Mary stood in stunned disbelief, watching their so-called comrades abandon the fight.
Mary Read:
“Damn it…!”
“You call yourselves pirates!?”
“This is pathetic!”
She was utterly disgusted as she watched her so-called comrades flee one after another.
While most of the crew cowered in fear, Mary and Anne rose to their feet, swords in hand, ready to fight.
Mary Read:
“Anne, what do we do?”
Anne Bonny:
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“We fight to the end!”
“I can’t believe those cowards are hiding at a time like this!”
Mary Read:
“Looks like it’s up to us, then.”
Back to back, the two women raised their swords, ready to face the enemy.
As soldiers stormed onto the deck, Mary and Anne did not hesitate—they charged forward without fear.
Amid the fierce clash of blades, Mary struck down an enemy, sending him sprawling onto the deck.
Anne raised her pistol, firing shot after shot, cutting down enemy soldiers one by one.
In the chaos of battle, she shone like a beacon in the storm.
Mary Read & Anne Bonny:
“Did you really think this would be enough to stop us?”
Anne’s blade grazed an enemy’s throat, and a spray of blood vanished into the night.
Mary, moving with razor-sharp precision, dodged an incoming strike and drove her sword between an enemy’s ribs.
With a strangled groan, the soldier collapsed.
The two women fought like dancers in a deadly waltz, cutting down one foe after another.
Amid the chaos, Anne leaned in and whispered to Mary.
Anne Bonny:
“I’m glad I got to fight alongside you.”
Mary Read:
“Me too.”
“If we make it out alive, let’s have a drink together again.”
Chapter 13: Capture and the Crossroads of Fate
But the difference in numbers was overwhelming.
Despite their fierce resistance, the sheer force of their enemies eventually overpowered them.
Anne Bonny:
“Mary…”
Mary Read:
“Looks like this is the end for us.”
Barnet:
“Resistance is futile!”
“Drop your weapons!”
Anne Bonny & Mary Read:
“Damn it!”
Gasping for breath, the two tried to summon the last of their strength to keep fighting.
But at last, their swords were struck from their hands, and cold iron shackles were locked around their wrists.
Anne Bonny:
“I wonder… what will happen to us now?”
Mary Read:
“I don’t know.”
“But no matter what fate awaits us, I refuse to have any regrets.”
Anne Bonny:
“…Looks like we lost.”
Mary Read:
“…Yeah.”
“Honestly, it’s frustrating.”
“But… I had fun.”
In 1720, off the coast of Jamaica, John Rackham’s pirate crew, along with Anne Bonny and Mary Read, were captured and taken to Jamaica in chains.
Chapter 15: The Trial and Mary’s Final Moments
The crew was found guilty, and Rackham and the other men were sentenced to hang.
However, Mary and Anne claimed to be pregnant, leading to a postponement of their execution.
According to the law, a pregnant woman could not be executed, as it would mean taking the life of an unborn child.
Anne Bonny:
“We’re not going to die… at least, not yet.”
Though their execution had been delayed, the harsh conditions of the prison took their toll.
Mary grew weaker with each passing day.
In the dim cell, she traced her fingers over the names carved into the walls by past prisoners and whispered softly.
Mary Read:
“I wonder… what happened to all the ones who were here before me?”
Mary Read:
“I can see freedom… yet no matter how far I reach, I can’t grasp it.”
Anne Bonny:
“Mary! Are you okay!?”
“Stay with me!”
Mary Read:
“Anne… You’ve always longed for freedom, haven’t you? …Maybe, deep down, I did too.”
Anne Bonny:
“I’m glad I met you.”
“At first, I thought you were just some handsome guy, but…”
“I never imagined you’d become such an important friend to me.”
Before closing her eyes for the last time, Mary whispered softly.
Mary Read:
“If I were born again… I’d like to live a quiet life on land, far from the sea…”
With those final words, she took her last breath.
A solemn silence fell over the prison.
Anne Bonny:
“Mary…! You’re not allowed to die yet!!”
Anne screamed.
But her voice could no longer reach her dear friend.
Anne fell silent.
Gently, she placed her hand on Mary’s cheek and slowly closed her eyes for her.
The prison walls were etched with the names of those who had come before.
Silently, Anne traced her fingers over them before carefully carving Mary’s name into the stone.
Anne Bonny:
“I won’t forget you… Never.”
She was ravaged by a severe fever, and on April 28, 1721, surrounded by fellow prisoners, she took her final breath.
It is said that her remains were buried at St. Catherine’s Church in Jamaica.
Anne Bonny:
“In our next life… let’s meet again, Mary…”
Chapter 16: The Legacy They Left Behind
Mary Read’s life was short, but her story of courage and loyalty has been passed down through generations.
What she left behind was a strength that could cut through storms and the beauty of living true to oneself.
“To live without being bound by gender or circumstances—only by one’s own will.”
That was her way of life, and perhaps, it remains a message to us even today.
Her name, though she met her end in a prison cell, was never erased—it remained carved into history.
Silently, Anne gazed beyond the iron bars, her eyes fixed on the open sky, and whispered.
Anne Bonny:
“Mary… thank you.”
“I won’t forget you…”
Chapter 17: A New Life
Prison life was harsh, but Anne, with her unyielding spirit, endured it.
The details of her fate remain shrouded in mystery, but according to Charles Johnson’s records, her execution was never carried out.
One theory suggests that she was freed through the influence of her powerful father, William Cormac.
Another theory speculates that she may have received a government pardon or intervention.
After her release, Anne returned to her hometown of Charleston, determined to build a new life while living modestly.
In this new chapter, she reunited with her family and settled in South Carolina, embracing a quieter existence.
It is said that she had eight children and lived out her days as a mother, dedicating herself to her family.
Epilogue: After the Storm Has Passed
1782, Charleston, South Carolina
A gentle sea breeze drifted through a quiet corner of the town.
The river, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, shimmered peacefully—a stark contrast to the wild, untamed Caribbean Sea where pirates once roamed.
An elderly Anne Bonny sat in a chair in her garden, gazing at the distant horizon.
Clinging to her lap was her playful grandchild, giggling softly.
Grandson:
“Grandma, tell me a story!”
Anne Bonny:
“What kind of story would you like?”
Grandson:
“The one where you went on adventures across the sea!”
Anne slowly closed her eyes, letting memories of her storm-filled past wash over her.
She recalled the clash of swords, the battle cries that echoed through stormy nights, the laughter shared over mugs of rum, and the pain of losing those she loved.
But among all those memories, the clearest of them all was Mary Read, standing beside her, laughing.
Anne Bonny:
“A long time ago, I had a very special friend.”
Grandson:
“What were they like?”
Anne Bonny:
“Brave, stronger than anyone… but deep down, one of the kindest souls I ever knew.”
Anne’s gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the sun slowly sank beyond the sea.
She remembered the days she had spent with Mary—the battles they fought side by side, the scent of blood and gunpowder that clung to life aboard the ship.
And then, the words they had once exchanged.
Anne Bonny:
“If Mary were still alive, what kind of life would she be living now?”
Mary Read:
“If I were born again, I’d choose a life without battles.”
Anne recalled Mary’s words from long ago and smiled softly.
Grandson:
“Grandma, what story will you tell me next?”
Anne Bonny:
“One day, I’ll tell you more… but for tonight, let’s just sit quietly and look at the stars.”
With those words, Anne gazed up at the night sky alongside her grandchild.
The souls of those who once sailed across endless seas still roamed free, carried by the wind, somewhere beyond the horizon.
And among the stars shining in the night sky, Anne thought she could see Mary Read’s smile.
The two women who once rode the storm—fearless, untamed pirates.
Their story still lives on, passed down through time.
They sought freedom and pride, carving their own destiny with unwavering strength.
And perhaps, somewhere in someone’s heart, their souls will continue to live on.
—And one day, somewhere on the sea, they may meet again.
Two Legends, Two Perspectives 🏴☠️✨
This story unfolds through two powerful perspectives—Anne Bonny’s journey and Mary Read’s path, each revealing the untold struggles, courage, and bonds that defined their lives.
⚓ Anne Bonny’s Story
The rebellious woman who defied expectations, chose freedom over conformity and embraced the life of a pirate.
⚔ Mary Read’s Story
A woman forced to disguise herself as a man, proving her worth on the battlefield and carving her own fate.
📖 Anne Bonny’s Story
🔗 Read their incredible journeys here! 👇
[https://thechroniclesofhumanity.com/anne-bonny-the-lives-of-female-pirates-who-sailed-through-the-storm/]
Two women. One era. A shared destiny. 🌊
Historical Notes
The story of Mary Read and Anne Bonny is based on the real-life accounts of two legendary female pirates who lived during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century.
Mary Read’s Cause of Death
The exact details of Mary Read’s death remain uncertain, with multiple theories surrounding her fate.
One widely accepted account suggests that she fell ill in prison and died from illness and weakness.
However, no official burial records have been found, leaving the circumstances of her death shrouded in mystery.
Some historical sources speculate that she may have escaped from prison or survived under a different identity, though there is no definitive evidence to confirm this theory.
Anne Bonny’s Fate
The details of Anne Bonny’s later life remain uncertain, with multiple theories about her fate.
One widely accepted account suggests that her father used his influence to secure her release, allowing her to start a new life in South Carolina.
However, some records indicate that although she escaped execution, her whereabouts afterward remain unknown.
There are also conflicting accounts of her death.
The most popular theory states that she died at the age of 82 in 1782 in South Carolina, though no definitive proof exists.
After a storm-ridden life on the high seas, she is believed to have quietly lived out her final days in peace.
The Background of the Pirate Trial
During the 1720 trial, Rackham’s crew was swiftly sentenced to death by hanging.
However, Mary Read and Anne Bonny claimed to be pregnant, successfully securing a delay in their execution.
At the time, English law prohibited the execution of pregnant women, as it was considered unjust to take the life of an unborn child.
This legal loophole temporarily spared their lives.
Yet, Mary later died in prison, while Anne’s fate remained uncertain—with some accounts suggesting she survived.
Understanding this historical backdrop makes their story feel even more real.
Their courage, defiance, and pursuit of freedom are tales that deserve to be remembered across generations.
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I’m a passionate blogger who loves diving deep into human history and sharing captivating stories about remarkable figures and events from the past. My blog combines engaging storytelling with beautiful illustrations, making history accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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Thank you for joining me on this journey through time. Let’s uncover the past together!
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Author: Fuji
Human history is truly complex, isn’t it? There are countless websites introducing historical figures and events, but many of them are just plain explanations—not exactly exciting to read. On the other hand, reading books takes a lot of time and effort. That’s where I come in. Through “stories that are more engaging than explanations and shorter than books,” I aim to bring the world’s history and humanity’s records to you in a more accessible and interesting way. If my stories inspire you to love history a little more, I’d be absolutely thrilled!
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