Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)Ashton, John
History
Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century; Regency -- England
_The Times_, which was not quite so matter of fact then, as now,
gives the following account of "her sowship." In its issue of
February 16th is the following: "There is, at present, a report in
London, of a woman, with a strangely deformed face, resembling that
of a pig, who is possessed of a large fortune, and, we suppose, wants
all the comforts and conveniences incident to her sex and station.
We, ourselves, unwittingly put in an advertisement from a young
woman offering to be her companion, and, yesterday morning, a fellow
transmitted to us another advertisement, attended by a one-pound
note, offering himself to be her husband. We have put his offer in
the fire, and shall send his money to some charity. Our rural
friends hardly know what idiots London contains. The pig's face is
as firmly believed in by many, as Joanna Southcot's pregnancy, to
which folly it has succeeded. Though no Parson Tozer has yet mounted
the rostrum to preach in support of the face, there is hardly a
company in which this swinish female is not talked of; and thousands
believe in her existence. The story, however, is an old one. About
fifty-three years ago, it is well remembered by several elderly
people, there was exactly the same rumour. It was revived, with but
slight effect about thirty years since; and now comes forth again in
its pristine vigour. On the original invention of the pig-faced woman
about the year 1764, a man offered to make her an ivory trough to
feed out of...."
The following is the advertisement referred to: it appeared in _The
Times_ of Feb. 9th. "FOR THE ATTENTION OF GENTLEMEN AND LADIES. A
young gentlewoman having heard of an advertisement for a person to
undertake the care of a lady, who is heavily afflicted in the face,
whose friends have offered a handsome income yearly, and a premium
for residing with her for seven years, would do all in her power to
render her life most comfortable; an undeniable character can be
obtained from a respectable circle of friends; an answer to this
advertisement is requested, as the advertiser will keep herself
disengaged. Address, post paid, to X Y, at Mr. Ford's, Baker, 12,
Judd Street, Brunswick Square."
The advertisement which follows is probably that rejected by _The
Times_, but inserted in _The Morning Herald_ of Feb. 16th. "SECRECY.
A single gentleman, aged thirty-one, of a respectable family, and in
whom the utmost confidence may be reposed, is desirous of explaining
his mind to the friends of a person who has a misfortune in her
face, but is prevented for want of an introduction. Being perfectly
aware of the principal particulars, and understanding that a final
settlement would be preferred to a temporary one, presumes he would
be found to answer the full extent of their wishes. His intentions
are sincere, honourable, and firmly resolved. References of great
respectability can be given. Address to M. D., at Mr. Spencer's, 22,
Great Ormond Street, Queen's Square."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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