Mary Ann Bevan: The Woman Who Endured Being Called the Ugliest in the World for Her Children

In early 20th-century England, a mother of four named Mary Ann Bevan developed acromegaly and adopted the title of “the ugliest woman in the world” as a means to provide for her children.

This is her tragic story—a reminder of how cruel the world can be. Mary Ann Bevan wasn’t always considered the epitome of ugliness. She was once a very beautiful woman before she began suffering from acromegaly.

After her diagnosis, her hands and feet swelled, and her face changed completely. Mary Ann Bevan’s pleasant face became grotesque. Her forehead and lower jaw protruded, and her nose widened.

Who Was Mary Ann Bevan?

Bevan’s most beautiful days began in East London, where she was born as Mary Ann Webster in 1874. She became a nurse, and by 1903, she had married a Kent farmer, Thomas Bevan. The happy couple had four healthy children.

Everything was going well for the Bevans until Thomas died unexpectedly in 1914. It has been reported that acromegaly began to appear after her husband’s death, although other sources claim she had it long before.

Today, acromegaly is one of the rarest diseases, but a treatment has been developed. However, at that time, it did not exist. Therefore, Mary Ann Bevan had no choice but to watch her beauty fade day by day.

Recommendation: El Día de la Madre: el origen de una fecha especial

Mary Ann Bevan Had to Use Her Ugliness to Support Her Family

Bevan decided to capitalize on her worsened appearance to help support her large family. She participated in a local “Ugliest Woman” contest and beat out 250 less attractive competitors.

The original advertisement, placed by a British agent for the Barnum and Bailey circus, read:

“Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, mutilated, or disfigured. Good salary guaranteed and long-term engagement for successful applicants. Send recent photograph.”

With such an unfortunate title, Bevan found work in the show.

The job seemed secure, as doctors promised she would continue to become uglier. In 1920, she was hired by Sam Gumpertz to appear in the Coney Island show called Dreamland, a type of freak show, where she spent most of the rest of her life.

The public was invited to look at “the 154 pounds she carried on her 5’7″ body, as well as her size 11 feet and size 25 hands.” She endured the disgusted looks of spectators for years, all to feed and educate her children.

From time to time, she would show photos of her beautiful family to visitors and boast about her son’s position in the British Navy. Ultimately, Mary Ann Bevan achieved her goal of providing for her children. During the years she spent performing in New York, she earned $50,000, approximately equivalent to $800,000 in today’s money.

Click here to follow us on Google News, receive more updates, and stay informed about global events.