The directory «Plots»

Rackham Jack
(1682—1720)

Jack Rackham, also known as Jack Rackam, Calico Jack Rackham or Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the colorful calico clothes he wore. John Rackham is remembered for employing two of the most notorious female pirates of his time – Anne Bonny and Mary Read – in his crew. Rackham and his crew were captured on October 20, 1720 by an armed sloop sent out by the governor of Jamaica. Rackham and his crew were subsequently tried and executed in Jamaica. Only the two women of the crew (Bonny and Read), who were disguised as men, fought the captures of his crew. Anne Bonny and Mary Read were not executed, because they both said they were pregnant; however, at that time there was no proof as to whether they really were. The law clearly stated that innocent people shall not be punished for the crimes committed by criminals (the unborn baby being considered innocent). Captured and hanged, Rackham's body was gibbeted, hung in a cage, on display on a very small island at a main entrance to Port Royal, Jamaica as a warning to other pirates.

Jamaica, 1971, Mary Read, Anne Bonny and trial pamphlet

Turks & Caicos, 1985, Mary Read and Anne Bonney