It’s difficult to say for sure, as there are few records that provide detailed information on the physical appearance of pirates. However, it’s clear that redheaded pirates did exist and that they were among the most feared and notorious pirates of their time. Their fiery hair and freckled complexions may have made them stand out from the crowd, but it was their skills as pirates that ensured their place in history.

The fascination of Pirates

Pirates have been a popular subject of fascination for centuries. From tales of treasure and adventure on the high seas to swashbuckling heroes and dastardly villains, pirates have captured the imagination of people of all ages. But how many of these pirates were redheads? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the history of piracy and investigate how many redheaded pirates there may have been.

Peak Piracy in in the late 17th and early 18th centuries

First, let’s review the history of piracy. Piracy has been a part of human history for thousands of years, with documented cases of piracy dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the “Golden Age of Piracy” occurred in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when pirates roamed the waters of the Caribbean, the Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. During this time, piracy was a lucrative business, with pirates raiding merchant ships and stealing valuable cargo.

Examples of Redheaded Pirates

Anne Bonny

Now let’s turn our attention to redheaded pirates. While it’s difficult to know exactly how many redheaded pirates there were, there are certainly some well-known examples. One of the most famous redheaded pirates was Anne Bonny, who lived in the early 18th century and was known for her fierce temper and deadly skills with a sword. Bonny was said to have had fiery red hair and a freckled complexion, and she was known to dress in men’s clothing in order to pass as a male pirate.

Calico Jack Rackham

Another famous redheaded pirate was Calico Jack Rackham, who was a contemporary of Anne Bonny. Rackham was known for his flamboyant dress sense and his red hair, which earned him the nickname “Calico Jack”. Rackham’s pirate career was short-lived, however, and he was eventually captured and executed in 1720.

Mary Read

Other famous redheaded pirates include Mary Read, another contemporary of Anne Bonny who was said to have disguised herself as a man in order to join a pirate crew.

Blackbeard

And as a final twist in the tale, Blackbeard was rumoured to have had red hair and a fiery temper!

Conclusion

Whilst we may never know exactly how many redheaded pirates there were, it’s clear that they played a significant role in the history of piracy. From Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham to Mary Read and Blackbeard, redheaded pirates have captured the imagination of people for centuries and continue to be the subject of fascination and speculation to this day.

And don’t forget to check out our article on the Vikings and red hair.