While female pirates were a rare thing, they certainly weren't uncommon. Grace O'Malley is one of the few women who gave pirating a new name.
Grace O’Malley – born with the name Grania ny Maille, though often called Granuaile (“the bald Grania”) for her boyish haircut – was born around 1530 to Dudara O’Malley, a powerful chieftain and the owner of a great herring fleet.
In 1546, at about the age of fifteen, Grace was married off to Donal-an-Cogahaidh, the Tanist of the O’Flahertys of Ballinahinch. He died while attacking an island fortress, which had been taken from him by a rival clan. Grania was turned upon to take over the clan, as she had acted as clan leader when her husband proved to be too irresponsible for his job. Unfortunately, Irish law would not allow her to become chieftain, so she returned to her father’s territory. While there, she recruited O’Flaherty men that were loyal to her, took over her father’s fleet of galleys, and began her career in piracy. She later went to marry Richard-an-Iarainn.
It was not long before Grace gained the reputation as a stubborn and an uninhibited admiral. She raided the merchant fleets that sailed the waters between Scotland, England, and the Continent. It was difficult to capture Grace, let alone find her. She knew greatly the coves and reefs of western Ireland to where it was not the least bit troublesome to hide herself when needed.
In 1577, Grace raided the Great Earl of Desmond’s territory. She was seized by the Earl himself and was locked into his dungeons. She was later handed over to Governor William Drury, who held her prisoner in Dublin Castle. She was released eighteen months later, after promising that she would control her husband, as he was more reckless than his wife. Richard died in 1583, but Grace continued pirating until Richard Bingham succeeded as Governor. In 1586, Bingham finally captured Grace; some months later, her son-in-law, Devil’s Hook, offered himself as a pledge and hostage, allowing Grace to be set free.
Years later, in 1592, Bingham raided Grace’s haven at Clare Island and apprehended her fleet. She sought refuge with the O’Neils and the O’Donnells until she was able to seek an audience with the Queen. She sent in a petition asking that she not be harmed, if she, in turn, used her services to protect and fight for the Queen. Queen Elizabeth spoke with Grace personally, granting her clemency and her petition.
Among the pirates, she had been admired: a female with the power and vigor of a male. Her crew was loyal to her, all having sworn fealty to her. Even Queen Elizabeth could not help but be impressed by the control of Pirate Grace O’Malley.
In 1603, she died at about sixty years of age.
References
Joan Druett, She Captains, 2000.
