When we consider the history of Calico Jack, it is impossible to ignore the two Women who complete this tale of Swashbuckling adventure, his lovers and fellow pirates; Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Calico Jack and Anne Bonny were two notorious pirates who sailed the seas during the early 18th century. Their story is one of adventure, rebellion, and legends that have fascinated people for centuries.
Calico Jack, whose real name was John Rackham, was born in Jamaica in 1682. He began his career as a sailor and eventually became a pirate captain. Calico Jack earned his nickname due to his colorful clothing, which often included calico fabric.
In 1719, Anne Bonny entered the picture. Born in Ireland, Anne Bonny had a rebellious spirit from a young age and soon found herself drawn to a life of piracy. She became involved with Calico Jack and joined his crew, disguised as a man. Bonny’s true identity was only revealed after she and Rackham had fallen in love.
Together, Calico Jack and Anne Bonny terrorized the Caribbean, attacking merchant ships and plundering their treasures. They became known for their ruthless tactics and fearless approach to piracy. In fact, it is said that Bonny was even more ferocious in battle than many of her male counterparts.
On capture, Anne and Mary refused to surrender. They remained on deck and faced the governor’s men alone, firing their pistols and swinging their cutlasses. Mary, the legend goes, was so disgusted she stopped fighting long enough to peer over the entrance of the hold and yell, “If there’s a man among ye, ye’ll come up and fight like the man ye are to be!” When not a single comrade responded, she fired a shot down into the hold, killing one of them. Anne, Mary and the rest of Rackam’s crew were finally overpowered and taken prisoner.
Eventually, Anne and Mary were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged,but their executions were stayed—because, as lady luck would have it, they were both “quick with child.” Their eventual destiny (and that of their children) remains unknown as they disappear from the public eye.
