Calico Jack Rackham Postcard

Calico Jack Rackham, whose real name was John Rackham, was an infamous pirate of the early 18th century who operated in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. He is best known for his association with two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who were part of his crew. Rackham's flag, featuring a skull with crossed swords under it, has become an iconic symbol of piracy. Rackham's short-lived but audacious pirate career included raiding and pillaging various ships along the Spanish Main. However, his reckless behaviour eventually led to his capture in 1720 by pirate hunters commissioned by the governor of Jamaica. After a swift trial, Rackham was found guilty of piracy and sentenced to hang. His legacy as Calico Jack endures in the annals of pirate lore, representing the romanticised image of the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean.