They’re usually billed as piracy’s most famous female double act. But how did Anne Bonny and Mary Read find their way from obscurity and scandal to become the 17th century’s biggest “open secret” – and how did they really feel about their lives, their shipmates, and each other?
Historian Greg Jenner, host of the BBC comedy history podcast You’re Dead To Me, joins us as we revel in this remarkable adventure.
And be sure to check out the Anne Bonny and Mary Read episode of You’re Dead To Me here!
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Greg Jenner is a British public historian, author, broadcaster, and historical adviser. He is multi award-winning creator and host of the BBC’s chart-topping history and comedy podcast You’re Dead To Me, writes funny history books for adults and children, and worked on 9 series of the BAFTA and EMMY winning BBC comedy sketch show Horrible Histories and its BAFTA-nominated spin-off movie. In 2025, Greg was awarded an Honorary Doctorate and Fellowship by the University of York’s Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP) where has has taught for the past decade.
Music featured in this episode provided by
The Midshipmen’s Glee Club, Cooper Cannell, Jesse Gallagher, The Peerless Quartet, The Mini Vandals, Jeff Cuno, and selections from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance
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