Anne Bonny, Née Cormac, Pirate, Is Born in Co. Cork

Anne Bonny (late 17th century – disappeared after 28 November 1720), sometimes Ann Fulford, was an Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean, and one of the few female pirates in recorded history. What little that is known of her life comes largely from Captain Charles Johnson’s 1724 book A General History of the Pyrates.

Bonny’s exact birthdate is unknown. She was said to be born in County Cork, Ireland. She was the daughter of a servant woman, Mary Brennan, and Brennan’s employer, the lawyer William Cormac. Cormac’s wife had become ill and was moved to her mother-in-law’s home a few miles away to be cared for. Whilst Cormac’s wife was away, he began an affair with Mary Brennan, who as a consequence gave birth to a daughter, Anne. Although Anne was therefore illegitimate, Cormac presented her as his legitimate daughter.