Mary Hamilton (bigamist)
Encyclopedia
Mary Hamilton was the subject of a notorious 18th century case of bigamy
and female cross-dressing
, in which Hamilton, under the name of Charles, duped other women into marriage. According to the Newgate calendar on no less than 14 separate occasions did she marry to another woman.
In 1752, Hamilton was brought to the summer Quarter Sessions
in Tauton, Somerset, and sentenced that "he or she prisoner at the bar is an uncommon, notorious cheat, and we, the Court, do sentence her, or him, whichever he or she may be, to be imprisoned
six months, and during that time to be whipped in the towns of Taunton, Glastonbury, Wells and Shipton Mallet ..."
Additional aliases used by Hamilton were Mr. G. Hamilton, Minister Bently, and Doctor O'Keefe. In at least 3 instances she lived for sometime unnoticed by her married spouse.
.
The story was also the subject of a BBC Radio 4
play of the same name, starring comedian Sandi Toksvig
.
An 1813 book by Henry Fielding about Mary Hamilton was the subject of an appraisal in a 2010 episode of PBS' Antiques Roadshow
entitled "Naughty or Nice." Although the authenticity is disputed by the appraiser, the book's front insert contains a color drawing attributed in the book to George Cruikshank
which depicts Hamilton being publicly whipped for her crimes.
Bigamy
In cultures that practice marital monogamy, bigamy is the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another. Bigamy is a crime in most western countries, and when it occurs in this context often neither the first nor second spouse is aware of the other...
and female cross-dressing
Cross-dressing
Cross-dressing is the wearing of clothing and other accoutrement commonly associated with a gender within a particular society that is seen as different than the one usually presented by the dresser...
, in which Hamilton, under the name of Charles, duped other women into marriage. According to the Newgate calendar on no less than 14 separate occasions did she marry to another woman.
In 1752, Hamilton was brought to the summer Quarter Sessions
Quarter Sessions
The Courts of Quarter Sessions or Quarter Sessions were local courts traditionally held at four set times each year in the United Kingdom and other countries in the former British Empire...
in Tauton, Somerset, and sentenced that "he or she prisoner at the bar is an uncommon, notorious cheat, and we, the Court, do sentence her, or him, whichever he or she may be, to be imprisoned
six months, and during that time to be whipped in the towns of Taunton, Glastonbury, Wells and Shipton Mallet ..."
Additional aliases used by Hamilton were Mr. G. Hamilton, Minister Bently, and Doctor O'Keefe. In at least 3 instances she lived for sometime unnoticed by her married spouse.
Popular culture
A fictionalised version of the story, "The Female Husband", was published in 1746 as an anonymous pamphlet by Henry FieldingHenry Fielding
Henry Fielding was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humour and satirical prowess, and as the author of the novel Tom Jones....
.
The story was also the subject of a BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
play of the same name, starring comedian Sandi Toksvig
Sandi Toksvig
Sandra Brigitte “Sandi” Toksvig is a Danish comedian, author and presenter on British radio and television.-Career:...
.
An 1813 book by Henry Fielding about Mary Hamilton was the subject of an appraisal in a 2010 episode of PBS' Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom to appraise antiques brought in by local people. It has been running since 1979...
entitled "Naughty or Nice." Although the authenticity is disputed by the appraiser, the book's front insert contains a color drawing attributed in the book to George Cruikshank
George Cruikshank
George Cruikshank was a British caricaturist and book illustrator, praised as the "modern Hogarth" during his life. His book illustrations for his friend Charles Dickens, and many other authors, reached an international audience.-Early life:Cruikshank was born in London...
which depicts Hamilton being publicly whipped for her crimes.