MARY READ

Caribbean Pirates lived by a “Pirate Code”.

Mary Read was born in London, England to the widow of a sea captain. Mary's mother moved to the country prior to her birth. When Mary's older brother, Mark, the legitimate child in the family, died, Mary’s mother began to disguise her as a boy, so not to lose the financial support the child received from his paternal grandmother. This continued through her teenage years.

"Mark" found work as a servant but soon she found better employ aboard ship. After excessive abuse she jumped ship and join the British military. She made quite a reputation for herself in battle and fell in love with a fellow sailor. She and the sailor married and, with his military commission, opened an inn they named "The Three Horseshoes".

For the first time in her life, Mary Read lived as a woman. She and her new husband lived happily until his tragic death, at which time Mary again returned to the military. Once again disguised as a man, using her husband's clothes. But the military had lost its appeal to Mary so, she quit and boarded a ship bound for the West Indies.

During the voyage the ship was attacked and captured by the notorious pirate "Calico" Jack Rackham and his companion, the female pirate Anne Bonny. "Mark" was taken on as a crew member. Mary Read and Anne soon became close companions. There are various stories has to how her true sex was discovered, but Anne agreed to keep her secret. Rackham became suspicious of Anne’s close relationship with the new sailor, whereas Mary revealed her secret to him.

"Calico" allowed her to remain on board but, soon disclosed to his crew that Mark was Mary. She continued her duties but soon became in love with a fellow pirate. They did marry.

"Calico" Jack Rackham and his crew did have several months of successful captures. With extra provisions and drink they started to become lackadaisical. Eating and drinking occupied their entire day.

A former pirate, Captain Barnet, now commander of the British Navy attacked "Calico" Jack Rackham ship in the fall of 1720. The entire crew of the "revenge" was drunk. The fight was short lived as the two women were out numbered and out gunned. The entire crew was taken to Port Royal for trial.

The trial was a big sensation, because the background of the female prisoners was reviled. Anne and Mary were women who escaped from traditional restrictions and in their own way, fought for equality between men and women. Everybody was found guilty of piracy. The sentence was death by hanging.

Mary Read and Anne Bonny both claimed to be pregnant and their lives were spared until after the children were born. It was against the law to kill and innocent unborn child.

The rest of them were hung on November 27, 1720 . Calico Jack's body was gibbeted and hung as a warning on Deadman’s Cay near Port Royal .

Mary Read died a short time later in a Jamaican prison from fever .

PIRATE FACTS and TRIVIA.....more

Activities: What do you want to do? Snorkel, golf, the list goes on.

Life is a Beach

Northshore Beaches: Some have smooth sandy bottoms ideal for swimming, and others have rock and coral-lined entries perfect for snorkeling! Many beaches on St. Croix are continuous with other beaches having a different name.

Southside Beaches : The south shore is dotted with so many little beaches that you just happen onto, that is highly unlikely that we have found them all.

East End Beaches : There are many beaches East of Christiansted on St. Croix . Some are a bit harder to get to but usually not as crowded.

West End Beaches : St. Croix offers a large number of beaches and water activities. Try a few for a fun and memorable vacation. All of the beaches in the US Virgin Islands are accessible to the public.

Beach Pictures: Other beach pictures and more.

Getting Around: Options for getting here and how to get around once you are here.

Flora/Fauna of St. Croix: Check out pictures and info on what you will enjoy seeing.

Our Condo – Caribeblue: Check out what our "Paradise" looks like. And check the view!

Rum Punch: There is more than just punch here.

Caribbean Recipes: Try something new and bring back an island memory. Or have a Caribbean party.

Sunscreen: Recommends for intense sun.

Activities: What do you want to do? Snorkel, golf, the list goes on.

Sights: What do you want to see? A sunset, a crab race, an historical site or just a beach.

Ken & Barbie: Who we are. Send a note– picture etc.