# Mary Read

> English pirate

**Wikidata**: [Q234421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234421)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Read)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-read

## Summary
Mary Read was an English pirate active during the early 18th century, known for her daring exploits and defiance of gender norms in a male-dominated field. She operated under the alias "Mark Read" and became one of the most notorious figures in the Golden Age of Piracy.

## Biography
- **Nationality:** English (Kingdom of Great Britain)
- **Known for:** Piracy in the early 18th century
- **Field(s):** Piracy

## Contributions
Mary Read is documented as a pirate who operated during the early 1700s, a period known as the Golden Age of Piracy. Her actions, though not detailed in the provided sources, align with the broader historical impact of piracy on maritime trade and colonial power structures. She is noted for her use of the alias "Mark Read," which allowed her to navigate the predominantly male world of piracy.

## FAQs
**Who was Mary Read?**
Mary Read was an English pirate who operated during the early 18th century, known for her involvement in piracy under the alias "Mark Read."

**What was Mary Read's nationality?**
Mary Read was English, hailing from the Kingdom of Great Britain, a constitutional monarchy in Western Europe during her time.

**What is Mary Read known for?**
She is primarily known for her role as a pirate, a rare and notable figure given the male-dominated nature of piracy during her era.

## Why They Matter
Mary Read's significance lies in her defiance of gender norms in a field where women were virtually unheard of. Her actions challenged the societal expectations of her time and contributed to the broader narrative of women's roles in history. While her direct impact on maritime history may be less documented, her legacy endures as a symbol of rebellion and resilience.

## Notable For
- One of the few documented female pirates in history.
- Operated under the alias "Mark Read," a notable tactic in a male-dominated field.
- Active during the Golden Age of Piracy, a pivotal period in maritime history.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Mary Read was an English pirate whose life and career unfolded during the early 18th century. She was a citizen of the Kingdom of Great Britain, a constitutional monarchy that existed from 1707 to 1800. Little is known about her early life, but her later exploits as a pirate have cemented her place in history.

### Career in Piracy
Mary Read is best known for her involvement in piracy, a field dominated by men during her time. She adopted the alias "Mark Read," which allowed her to operate more freely in a world where women were not typically accepted as pirates. Her actions as a pirate, though not extensively detailed in the provided sources, align with the broader historical context of the Golden Age of Piracy, a period marked by increased pirate activity and its impact on global maritime trade.

### Legacy and Influence
Mary Read's legacy is significant not only for her role as a pirate but also for her defiance of gender norms. Her ability to navigate and succeed in a male-dominated field has made her a symbol of resilience and rebellion. While her direct contributions to maritime history may be less documented, her story continues to inspire discussions about the roles of women in historically male-dominated professions.

### Historical Context
The Kingdom of Great Britain, where Mary Read hailed from, was a major global power during her lifetime. The constitutional monarchy, established in 1707, played a crucial role in shaping the political and economic landscape of the time. Piracy, including the actions of figures like Mary Read, was a significant challenge to the maritime dominance of nations like Great Britain, influencing trade routes and colonial power structures.

### Aliases and Identity
Mary Read is noted for her use of the alias "Mark Read," a tactic that allowed her to operate more effectively in the world of piracy. This alias not only helped her blend in with her male counterparts but also highlights the challenges and dangers faced by women in such fields during her time.

### Documentation and Recognition
Mary Read's story has been documented in various historical records and academic sources, though the details of her exploits remain somewhat limited. Her recognition as a notable figure in the history of piracy is evident in her inclusion in databases like Wikidata, where she is described as an English pirate with a sitelink count of 48, indicating her presence in multiple language editions of Wikipedia and other sources.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Encyclopædia Britannica
3. A historical dictionary of British women
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. CERL Thesaurus
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. FactGrid