The hidden history of the fierce women who fought as pirates
In short: While pop culture often paints piracy as a male-only domain, historical records reveal that women were active and formidable participants in life at sea. English Heritage is now centering these overlooked stories by introducing its first female pirate to the rigging this summer.
For centuries, the narrative of the Golden Age of Piracy has been dominated by male figures like Long John Silver or Captain Jack Sparrow. However, historical records indicate that women were indeed present on ships and fought alongside their male counterparts. Figures such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read are notable examples; they often donned men's clothing to evade suspicion and were reported by witnesses to be among the fiercest members of their crews. These women were often described as some of the most aggressive members on board. They intentionally used disguises to hide their gender from authorities.
To bring this history to life, English Heritage is debuting Freyja Eagling as its first female pirate performer. While she has been an historic interpreter since childhood—portraying various medieval and Tudor characters alongside her father, Tim Eagling—this role marks a significant shift toward highlighting female agency in maritime history. To prepare for the starring role, Eagling spent over a year training in sword fighting, which requires balance, speed, and precision, as well as learning to safely handle pistols and guns for performance. Eagling is currently eighteen years old and has recently completed her A-levels. She began her career in historical interpretation as a young child.
The initiative aims to correct a cultural imbalance by giving female pirates their due in public memory. By featuring Eagling at sites like Pendennis Castle, Dover Castle, and Scarborough Castle, the organization seeks to move beyond textbooks and allow audiences to experience the reality of these stories. The goal is to prove that women were not just peripheral figures but active participants in a brutal and high-stakes maritime world. The new summer event series is titled Pirates! It officially kicks off on Tuesday, July 26. The tour includes three specific locations across Cornwall, Kent, and North Yorkshire.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Meet Freyja, Our First Female Pirate
- Also: Ahoy! English Heritage recruits its first female pirate | English Heritage
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