In many ways, I am grateful for how far society has progressed in 2025. While some things may have been better in the past, looking back just a few centuries reveals aspects of daily life that are best left in history.
During the 19th century, “freak shows” were among the most popular attractions and were considered a normal part of American culture. These traveling circuses showcased individuals deemed “odd,” such as bearded ladies and conjoined twins.
One such individual, Mary Ann Bevan, became known as the “Ugliest Woman in the World.” Her remarkable life and tragic fate serve as a reminder of why her story should never be forgotten.
Throughout history, people have been fascinated by individuals of different ethnicities or those with unique physical attributes. However, exploiting such individuals for entertainment and profit is wrong, regardless of the time period.
Today, treating people with deformities as mere objects of amusement is unacceptable. Yet in the 19th century, crowds eagerly gathered to see them. From the 1840s to the 1940s, “freak shows” thrived, and making money from others’ misfortunes was not seen as unethical.
A Promising Beginning
Mary Ann Bevan’s story began during this era. She was born Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, United Kingdom. Like many working-class families of the time, hers was large—she was one of eight children.
Unlike her brothers, who were sent off to work, Mary Ann had opportunities to pursue education. After completing her medical studies, she became a nurse in 1894. At this time, her future looked bright.
Mary Ann was a beautiful young woman with delicate features. She had a solid education, and she lived in London—a city that was economically thriving and a center of modern civilization.
In 1902, she found love and married Thomas Bevan. The couple was happily married and had four children. However, their happiness was short-lived. After 14 years of marriage, Thomas died from a stroke, leaving Mary Ann heartbroken and alone with their children.
The Onset of Acromegaly
Around the time she married Thomas, Mary Ann began showing signs of acromegaly, a rare disorder caused by excessive growth hormone production. This condition leads to enlarged bones and tissues, often resulting in drastic changes in appearance.
At the time, little was known about acromegaly, making it difficult to diagnose or treat. Today, we understand that it affects around six in 100,000 people and can be managed if detected early. However, such medical advancements were unavailable to Mary Ann.
Her condition progressed rapidly, altering her facial features and making her appearance more masculine. The physical changes drastically impacted both her psychological well-being and her ability to find work. Employers refused to hire her due to her appearance, and she struggled to provide for her children.
A Difficult Choice
One day, Mary Ann saw a newspaper advertisement that read:
“Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed, or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”
The ad was placed by Claude Bartram, an agent for the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Facing mounting debts and the need to support her children, Mary Ann felt she had no choice but to apply.
She did not seek fame or wealth—her only motivation was to ensure her children had food and a future.
After sending her photograph, Bartram responded, recognizing something beyond just her appearance. He later stated:
“She was not repulsive at all. She had the kind of face one usually finds in a giant, a powerful, masculine jaw, prominent cheekbones, nose, and forehead, but she was unblemished, healthy, and strong.”
Bartram offered Mary Ann £10 per week for a year, plus travel expenses and earnings from selling picture postcards of herself. This opportunity allowed her to provide for her children’s education.
Life as a Circus Performer
Mary Ann soon gained fame and was invited to perform at the Dreamland Circus in Coney Island, New York. By the time she arrived in 1920, she was already well-known, appearing on newspaper covers with the title “The Ugliest Woman on Earth.”
At the circus, Mary Ann was the star attraction, outshining other performers, including bearded ladies and conjoined twins. However, the morality of exploiting people with disabilities for profit was already being questioned. Leading neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing even wrote to Time magazine, condemning her exploitation.
Despite this, the circus remained highly profitable, and Mary Ann endured public ridicule. She was forced to wear male clothing to appear more unattractive and faced relentless laughter and cruel comments.
Yet, there was one silver lining—financial security. Mary Ann reportedly earned the equivalent of $590,000 in today’s money. She endured hardship but was able to provide for her children, even sending them to boarding school in England.
The Legacy of Mary Ann Bevan
Mary Ann continued working at the Coney Island Dreamland Show until 1925 when she traveled to Paris for an exhibition. She later returned to New York, where she spent the remainder of her life.
She passed away in 1933 at the age of 59. Per her final wish, her children ensured she was buried in her homeland at Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery in South London.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is one of resilience and sacrifice. In an era with no social benefits, she did what she had to in order to provide for her family. Her love and dedication to her children reveal a deeper beauty—one that far surpasses physical appearance.
