pirate health insurance

You didn't know this but, a pirate who lost an appendage, would sometimes get hazzard pay. According to the Dorling Kindersley (DK) series, pirate Bartholemew Roberts would release $800 to a member of his crew upon losing a limb.

I also discovered that two female pirates from the 18th century, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, dressed as men to acheive acceptance among the ranks of the buccaneers.

At their first meeting, Bonny actually developed romantic feelings for Read - believing she was a man. Read confided her secret identity to Bonny, and they became friends. When their pillaging mates were captured, both women escaped the death penalty - because they were pregnant.

Talk about health insurance!