The Tragic Story Of Mary Ann Bevan, The ‘Ugliest Woman In The World’
Early in the 20th century, Mary Ann Bevan, a beautiful Englishwoman, was forced to perform in sideshows and circuses in order to support her family after she was diagnosed with acromegaly.
Mary Ann Bevan, who was born in the late 19th century on the outskirts of London, wasn’t always referred to as being “ugly.” In fact, when she was a young girl, she was even thought to be attractive.
That all changed when she developed a rare disfiguring disease well into adulthood and after becoming a mother multiple times. Bevan used her appearance to make a living despite the fact that after a short period of time her hands, feet, and features were completely altered.
This is the story of how Mary Ann Bevan became the Ugliest Woman in the World, one of the most tragic figures in the once-thriving sideshow business, to support herself and her family.
Earlier Years of Mary Ann Bevan
On December 20, 1874, Mary Ann Webster was born to a big family on the outskirts of London. She grew up exactly like her siblings, and in 1894 she earned her nursing license. In 1903, she married Thomas Bevan, a farmer from the county of Kent.
The marriage gave birth to two healthy sons and two healthy daughters, and the Bevans settled into a happy, fruitful life. Sadly, Thomas passed away unexpectedly in 1914, leaving Mary to care for four children on her tiny income. Soon after her husband passed away, she started to exhibit symptoms of acromegaly, a condition in which the pituitary glands produce too many growth hormones.
One of the more uncommon pituitary conditions, acromegaly, can now be treated if caught early enough. Bevan had no way to treat or prevent the condition, however, due to the limitations of early 20th-century medicine, and she soon noticed that her features had changed beyond recognition.
Mary Ann Bevan Deals With Acromegaly Head-On
Bevan’s otherwise normal hands and feet grew out of all proportion, her forehead and lower jaw extended, and her nose grew noticeably bigger as a result of her condition. She turned to odd jobs to support her family because her changing appearance made it difficult for her to find and keep a job.
She was permanently altered by the rare condition. Years later, a former worker at the fairgrounds claimed that the farmer she was employed by was the one who told Bevan that “all [she was] fit for [was] the ugly woman competition.”
Bevan took the farmer’s advice to heart and entered the “Homeliest Woman” competition right away, easily defeating 250 other women to win the illustrious title. Since her doctor had assured her that her condition would only get worse, she decided to take advantage of the attention her victory had attracted from sideshow operators in order to support her children. She soon had consistent work performing at fairgrounds all over the British Isles as part of a traveling fair.
In 1920, Bevan responded to the “Wanted: Ugliest woman” advertisement in a London newspaper. Nothing hideous, mangled, or deformed. For the selected applicant, a good salary and a lengthy engagement are guaranteed. The ad had been placed by a British agent for Barnum and Bailey’s circus, who discovered that she had “the face of an ugly woman that was not unpleasant,” which may sound paradoxical.
Mary Ann Bevan’s Sideshow Success
Bevan was invited to perform in the sideshow at Coney Island’s Dreamland amusement park, which at the time was one of the biggest venues in the world for sideshow performers, after mailing the agent a photograph created especially for the occasion. The idea for the attraction originated with Senator William H. Reynolds and promoter Samuel W. Gumpertz, who is regarded as one of the most influential people in sideshow history and later collaborated with Harry Houdini.
She was paraded alongside other well-known sideshow performers like Zip the “Pinhead,” Jean Carroll, the Tattooed Lady, and Lionel, the Lion-Faced Man. The 154 pounds she lugged around on her 5′ 7″ frame, along with her size 11 feet and size 25 hands, were open for all Dreamland visitors to admire. Bevan accepted the demeaning treatment with composure. She “smiled mechanically, offered postcards of herself for sale,” earning enough money for her own education and the education of her kids.
As the years went by, Mary Ann Bevan kept attracting crowds and even joined the world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show to perform. In just two years of performing in New York, she earned £20,000, roughly equivalent to $1.6 million in 2022. She also succeeded in her goal of providing for her children.
The Last Days Of Mary Ann Bevan
Bevan also had relationships with people outside of the sideshow crowd and had friends. She began dating Andrew, a giraffe keeper, while she was performing at Madison Square Garden in 1929. She even consented to a makeover at a New York beauty salon, where stylists straightened her hair, gave her a manicure, and massaged her. They also put makeup on her face.
Mary Ann herself, however, upon seeing her reflection, merely said, “I guess I’ll be getting back to work.” Some people cruelly claimed that “the rouge and powder and the rest were as out of place on Mary Ann’s countenance as lace curtains on the portholes of a dreadnought.”
Bevan worked at Coney Island for the remainder of her life, passing away there on December 26, 1933, at the age of 59. She was buried in Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery in Southeast London before being flown back to her native country for her funeral.
Mary Ann Bevan was a forgotten figure known only to experts in sideshow history for many years before her likeness was mockingly used on a Hallmark card in the early 2000s. The card was withdrawn after concerns were raised about further humiliating her.
Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Amazonian Cities Using Lidar Technology
Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, archaeologists have uncovered an ancient network of urban settlements once inhabited by the Upano people about 2,000 years ago. Using cutting-edge lidar technology, these discoveries reveal a highly organized society featuring sophisticated agricultural systems, drainage canals, and extensive road networks. This transformative find challenges long-held assumptions about ancient Amazonian societies and sheds light on a complex civilization thriving in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Titanoboa cerrejonensis, fossils of the world’s largest species of snake
In 2009 in a coal mine of Columbia, scientists discovered fossils of the world’s largest species of snake. The species is called “Titanoboa cerrejonensis,“and it is from around 60 million years ago. It would have had measured about 48 feet long and weighed about 2,500 pounds
Nuclear bomb accidentally dropped on North Carolina in 196
4 January 1961: The 4241st Strategic Wing's Boeing B-52G-95-BW Stratofortress, serial number 58-0187, was on a 24-hour airborne alert mission off the United States' Atlantic Coast.
Why the Brooklyn Bridge Was Once Crossed by 17 Camels and 21 Elephants
On May 30, 1883, a rumor that the Brooklyn Bridge was going to collapse caused a stampede, which killed at least at twleve people. To prove the bridge was safe, P.T. Barnum led a parade of 21 elephants over it.
Medieval Medicine: A 1,000-year-old onion and garlic salve kills modern bacterial superbugs
Scientists recreated an Anglo-Saxon manuscript-based 9th century onion and garlic eye remedy and discovered that it killed 90% of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria (MRSA).
Nordlingen, The Town Inside A Meteorite Crater With Millions Of Meteorite Diamonds
The German town of Nördlingen is embedded with 72,000 tons of microscopic diamonds. About 15 million years ago, a meteorite hit this region, and the impact created a massive depression and formed rocks containing diamonds, glass, and crystals. The town was built in the impact crater sometime around 898 CE.
New London School Explosion, Deadliest school disaster which killed almost 300 children and teachers
In 1937, a gas leak in the basement at the local school in New London, Texas caused a massive explosion which killed almost 300 children and teachers, the deadliest school disaster in US history. Adolf Hitler even sent his condolences by telegram.
Top 10 most cruel medical procedures that are being used today
We are all aware that medicine has advanced dramatically over the last fifty years. There are several modern medical approaches available today, but this was not always the case. However, the past of medicine is a dark one. Medical leeches, lobotomy, vascular surgery, cranial stenosis, and even electroshock therapy are all options. These are only a couple of the cruel healing techniques that are still in use today.
10 world’s most destructive and dangerous volcanic eruptions in history
Volcanic eruptions can devastate cities, change the world's atmosphere, and devastate economic systems. They can create molten lava rivers, mudslides, suffocating ash, and poisonous gases that cause chaos around the world for years. A volcanic explosion's effects can be massive, from its size to its death toll to its economic cost. Here is ten world’s most destructive and dangerous volcanic eruptions in history.
The true story Of The Radium Girls that change US labor laws
Hundreds of young women worked in clock factories during World War I, painting watch dials with luminous radium paint. The company lied about the risk of radiation, claiming there was no danger, which resulted in the death of the young women.
Inside The Mysterious Death Of The Famed Gothic Writer Edgar Allan Poe
Hours before his death Edgar Allen Poe was found on the streets of Baltimore. He was incoherent, wearing another man’s clothes, and unable to explain how he got there. The cause of his death is an unsolved mystery.
From Flapper to Fashion Week: How 1920s Style Still Shapes Modern Trends
The roaring 1920s revolutionized fashion, introducing bold styles, daring cuts, and a spirit of freedom that still inspires today’s wardrobes. From flapper dresses to statement accessories, here’s how the Jazz Age lives on in modern fashion.
The World’s First Seismograph: How Ancient China Detected Earthquakes 1,800 Years Ago
Over 1,800 years ago, long before modern technology, the ancient Chinese astronomer and inventor Zhang Heng created the world’s first seismograph in 132 AD. This ingenious bronze device could detect distant earthquakes by releasing small balls from dragons’ mouths into toads’ mouths—each indicating a different compass direction. Its historic detection of an earthquake 400 miles away astonished the imperial court and transformed the way societies understood and responded to seismic events.
The history of Flour sack clothing fashion
After Kansas mill owners found women reused flour sack materials into apparel in the 1920s and 1930s, they started applying patterned designs to give families with more fashionable patterns and material.
Top 10 Greatest and shocking Archaeological Discoveries of All Time
While we're all locked at home, there's no better way to escape to another time and place than to learn about amazing archeological sites and discoveries from around the world. Here are the 10 greatest and shocking archaeological discoveries —and don't be shocked if they inspire future trip plans whenever it's safe to do so again.
The touching story of David Vetter (bubble boy), the 'boy who lived in a bubble
David Vetter lived his whole 12 years in sterile “bubble”. He was “outside” for 20 second after being removed from his mother’s womb. He never touched any human.
Terry Fox, a 21-year-old one-legged cancer patient who ran 143 days before dying
Terry Fox was a 21-year-old one-legged cancer patient who ran 3,339 miles across Canada in 143 days before dying.
Saudi Arabia camel carvings dated to prehistoric era
Archaeologists were shocked to discover that a series of camels carved into desert rock faces in north-western Saudi Arabia are actually prehistoric, dating from 7,000-8,000 years ago - before either the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge were built.
The Assassination Of King Alexander
The assassination of King Alexander of Yugoslavia marked a pivotal moment in the country's history. This article delves into the rise and reign of King Alexander, exploring his early life and ascension to the throne. It also examines the political and social climate in interwar Yugoslavia, setting the stage for the tensions and challenges that ultimately culminated in his tragic assassination. By understanding the context in which this event unfolded, we can better grasp the significance and impact it had on the nation and its future.
Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery
On October 24, 1593, while performing his guard duties at Manila's Governor's Palace in the Philippines, Gil Perez stopped to lean against a wall and sleep for a while. He opened his eyes to find himself in an unusual environment. Gil was in the Plaza Mayor in Mexico City. They imprisoned Perez, but the authorities in Mexico City decided to release him and return him home.
3 men lived on top of a billboard in tents for almost 9 months
From 1982-1983, three men in Allentown PA competed in a radio contest in which they lived on top of a billboard in tents. Whoever stayed up longest would win a house. Due to economic pressure from the recession, none of the contestants wanted to give up, so the contest lasted almost 9 months.
Robert Odlum, the first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge
The first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge was a professional high diver who "wanted to demonstrate that people did not die simply by falling through the air, thus encouraging people to be willing to jump from a burning building into a net." He proved himself correct by safely falling 135 feet through the air and dying only when he hit the water.
The story of Bill Haast, who lived to be 100 despite his extensive snake venom injections
Bill Haast immunized himself by injecting snake venom into his blood for several years. He holds the Guinness World Record for surviving the most lethal snake bites, having been bitten over 172 times. Bill became known as "Snake Man" around the world and lived for over 100 years.
The worst blizzard in recorded history: the 1972 Iran blizzard
The deadliest snowstorm ever recorded occurred in Iran in 1972. It lasted for a week, burying areas in 26 feet of snow and killing over 4,000 people, including the entire populations of three villages.
The unbroken seal on King Tutankhamun's tomb until 1922
The unbroken seal of Tutankhamun's tomb before it was opened in 1923, it was unbroken for over 3000 years.
