John Rackham (d. 1720), also known as Jack Rackham or 'Calico Jack' for his preference for cotton clothing, was an English pirate during the Golden Age of Piracy (1690-1730). Rackham took over the pirate crew of Charles Vane (d. 1721), and his recruits included the two infamous women pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Captain Rackham was tried on four charges of piracy, found guilty, and hanged in Port Royal, Jamaica in November 1720.
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Definition
Timeline
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Nov 1718The pirate crew of Charles Vane votes to depose him. They select John Rackham ('Calico Jack') as their new captain.
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Apr 1719Anne Bonny and John Rackham steal a ship in the Bahamas and embark on a life of piracy in the Caribbean.
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Nov 1720The pirates 'Calico Jack' (John Rackham), Anne Bonny, and Mary Read are apprehended in the Caribbean by the Jamaican authorities.
