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In our ongoing series, #WomenThatDid, ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured, tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid.
Names: Anne Bonny and Mary Read
Lifetimes: March 8, 1702 – April 22, 1782 | c. 1690 – April 1721
What They’re Known For: Ever heard the story of two cross-dressing female pirates? Most likely not – and you’ve been missing out. The pirates in question, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, were both encouraged to dress as men to avoid a variety of scandals. These legendary ladies used this trick throughout their careers as fierce female pirates.
Why We Love Them: Anne and Mary seduced their way through life and onto pirate ships. They first met when they happened to be on the same ship captained by Calico Jack and became fast friends and, according to some sources, lovers. When another ship, headed by Jonathan Barnett, attacked their own ship late one night, Anne and Mary and some of the crew fought back. However, Barnett’s attack was too much for them they were ordered to surrender. Although Anne and Mary did not give up, their ship was eventually taken and the two were put on trial, found guilty and sentenced to hang.
Fun Fact: The ladies’ sentences were not carried out because they both happened to be pregnant at the time and laws forbade killing an unborn child. Mary died in a Jamaican prison but Anne’s fate is unknown, though some evidence points to her possible marriage to a Jamaican commissioner, with whom she had eight children.
RELATED: #WomenThatDid: Amelia Earhart
