Mary Read (1685 – 1721), was arguably one of the most notorious pirates that ever-set sail. Masquerading as a man, Mary found employment on ships and fought in the military, where she proved herself through battle. Upon the death of Read’s husband, she joined pirate John ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham’s crew, mastering the art of piracy where she again dressed as a man, alongside Anne Bonny, Rackham’s lover.
It is said, Rackham invented the black and skull flag, where the crossed swords represent Anne Bonny and Mary Read, his female accomplices.