John Rackham
Last updated
Last updated
Calico Jack Rackham, also known as John Rackham, was an English pirate who operated in the West Indies and along the eastern coast of the American colonies during the early 18th century. He was known for his distinctive calico trousers and his ship, the "Revenge". His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny and the flag commonly associated with Rackham depicts a white skull above crossed swords on a black background.
Rackham is thought to be the father of the Jolly Roger design and fictionally attributed with this quote:
"A pirate's life for me!"
