The Remarkable and Tragic Story of Mary Ann Bevan: A Mother’s Sacrifice
In the early 20th century, Mary Ann Bevan became known to the world under the cruel moniker of “The Ugliest Woman in the World.” To many, her appearance was a spectacle, a source of mockery and gawking. But behind the sideshow posters and public ridicule was a story of profound sacrifice, resilience, and love. Mary Ann’s life was shaped by adversity, yet she endured it all to provide for her children, leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit.
A Life of Promise
Born Mary Ann Webster in East London in 1874, Mary Ann grew up in a large working-class family, one of eight children. Despite limited means, she carved out a promising future for herself. Known for her kind nature and pleasant appearance, Mary Ann pursued a career in nursing, a respectable and essential profession at the time. Her work reflected her nurturing character and dedication to helping others.
In 1903, Mary Ann married Thomas Bevan, a farmer from Kent. Together, they built a happy life and had four children, creating a home filled with warmth and laughter. The couple seemed to have everything they needed to thrive, and Mary Ann’s life appeared to be on a steady, fulfilling path.
The Onset of Acromegaly
This idyllic existence was shattered in 1914 when Thomas died unexpectedly, leaving Mary Ann a widow at just 40 years old. Around the same time, Mary Ann began to notice unsettling changes in her body. Her hands and feet began to swell, her facial structure altered, and her features grew coarse and unrecognisable. She was developing acromegaly, a rare condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormones by the pituitary gland.
Today, acromegaly is treatable if diagnosed early, but in Mary Ann’s time, medical science had little understanding of such disorders. Left untreated, the condition caused her bones and soft tissues to grow abnormally, leading to physical deformities. Her brow and jaw jutted forward, her nose expanded, and her once-delicate features became grotesque.
The transformation was as isolating as it was disfiguring. The stares and whispers of strangers, combined with the societal stigma of deformity, must have weighed heavily on Mary Ann. Yet, she faced an even graver challenge: raising her four children without a stable income.
A Bold Decision
With limited options and no financial support, Mary Ann made a choice that would define her life. She entered a local competition for “The Ugliest Woman,” a bizarre and exploitative contest advertised with the promise of good pay. Despite the cruelty of the premise, Mary Ann saw the opportunity not as an insult, but as a means of survival. She won the contest, beating 250 competitors, and the victory marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The contest attracted the attention of Sam Gumpertz, a prominent figure in the world of sideshows and circuses. He offered Mary Ann a position at Coney Island’s Dreamland Sideshow in New York, where she would perform as part of a “freak show” exhibition. It was a grim prospect—standing before crowds who came to mock her appearance—but Mary Ann accepted, driven by the need to support her family.
Life as a Sideshow Performer
Mary Ann’s life in the sideshow was one of public exposure and private resilience. Billed as “The Ugliest Woman in the World,” she became a staple attraction, drawing large crowds eager to see her unusual appearance. Posters advertised her 5′7″ frame, 154-pound weight, size 11 feet, and large hands, encouraging spectators to gawk and jeer.
Despite the humiliation, Mary Ann remained proud of her role as a mother. She frequently showed visitors photographs of her children, speaking fondly of their achievements. Her son’s position in the British navy was a particular point of pride, and she often reminded onlookers that her work was for them.
Financial Success
Mary Ann’s decision to enter the sideshow world paid off—literally. Over the years, she earned an estimated $50,000, a considerable fortune equivalent to about $1 million today. This money ensured her children were well-fed, educated, and cared for allowing her to send them to school and maintain a degree of stability for her family.
A Brush with Love
In 1929, while performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden, Mary Ann developed a friendship with Andrew, a giraffe keeper. This relationship marked a rare moment of personal joy for Mary Ann, and she even sought to improve her appearance in hopes of winning his affection.
A local beauty salon took on the challenge, treating Mary Ann to a makeover that included a manicure, massage, and various cosmetic treatments. While some believed the results softened her features, others dismissed the effort as futile. Mary Ann herself, ever pragmatic, laughed off the experiment, saying, “I guess I’ll be getting back to work.”
There is no record of how Andrew reacted, but the episode highlights Mary Ann’s enduring humanity and hopefulness, even in the face of adversity.
The Final Years
Mary Ann continued performing until her health began to deteriorate. The effects of acromegaly, combined with the physical toll of years in the sideshow, led to increasing pain and partial blindness. Despite these challenges, she worked until she could no longer perform, driven by her commitment to her family.
Mary Ann passed away in 1933 at the age of 59. She was buried in South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery, fulfilling her wish to be laid to rest near her home.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is a complex and poignant one. While she endured public ridicule and a cruel title, she also demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination. Her willingness to sacrifice her dignity for her children’s wellbeing is a testament to her character.
Today, her life serves as a reminder of the societal cruelties of her time and the strength it takes to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. Mary Ann Bevan was far more than the label assigned to her—she was a mother, a provider, and a woman who refused to let tragedy define her spirit.