Outrageous History: Selling Wives

The industrial revolution was certainly a time filled with ingenuity and inventiveness. Much of that ingenuity was applied towards manufacturing, while some, it would appear, was applied towards marriage. England was certainly the scene of many an unhappy marriage at the time, but to lower class citizens divorce was simply not an affordable option. Rather than stay stuck in an unfruitful union, the inventive individuals looking for an out came up with a new custom: Wife Selling.

Although the practice didn’t result in an official divorce and the marriage was still legally binding, the sale could not go through before both the husband and wife agreed to it, and so local magistrates were usually willing to look the other way. The trend proved quite popular during the 19th century but the concept can be traced back to the mid-1700s.

Among the most well-known occurrences of the bizarre practice was the sale of Joseph Thompson’s wife on April 7, 1832. Thompson, a farmer, had reportedly walked into Carlisle and announced his intention to sell his wife to the “highest and fairest bidder.” He proceeded to list his wife’s faults and virtues as she was seated beside him with a halter around her neck, and over the course of the hour-long auction finally succeeded in selling his wife to Henry Mears for 20 shillings and a dog.

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A Brief History of Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt

Although every manner of cosmetic product is available in this day and age, cosmetics were a little more rudimentary in Ancient Egypt, though used every bit as frequently. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians initially used cosmetics for practical purposes. Scented oils and ointments were used for cleaning, as water was scarce in the desert, and the fragrances often served to cover up body odor and soften skin that was hardened in the harsh sun. Perfumes were also employed during various religious ceremonies in Ancient Egypt. These perfumes were made from natural ingredients like lavender, lily, peppermint, sesame oil, rose, thyme, myrrh, rosemary, marjoram, cedar, aloe, and almond oil.

Fast forward a few thousand years, and although cosmetics were still largely used for their practicality their ornamental uses were being explored as well. Around 4000 BCE, women in Egypt would use a compound of copper and lead ore called galena mesdemet alongside a paste made of malachite as eye makeup. This makeup would help define the face and give the appearance of an almond shape around the eyes. The makeup was known as Kohl, and in addition to its decorative purposes it was believed that darkening the area around the eyes would help protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. It was commonplace for women to bring their makeup to parties, often stored in small boxes that would be placed under their seats.

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Outrageous History: Selling Wives

The industrial revolution was certainly a time filled with ingenuity and inventiveness. Much of that ingenuity was applied towards manufacturing, while some, it would appear, was applied towards marriage. England was certainly the scene of many an unhappy marriage at the time, but to lower class citizens divorce was simply not an affordable option. Rather than stay stuck in an unfruitful union, the inventive individuals looking for an out came up with a new custom: Wife Selling.

Although the practice didn’t result in an official divorce and the marriage was still legally binding, the sale could not go through before both the husband and wife agreed to it, and so local magistrates were usually willing to look the other way. The trend proved quite popular during the 19th century but the concept can be traced back to the mid-1700s.

Among the most well-known occurrences of the bizarre practice was the sale of Joseph Thompson’s wife on April 7, 1832. Thompson, a farmer, had reportedly walked into Carlisle and announced his intention to sell his wife to the “highest and fairest bidder.” He proceeded to list his wife’s faults and virtues as she was seated beside him with a halter around her neck, and over the course of the hour-long auction finally succeeded in selling his wife to Henry Mears for 20 shillings and a dog.

Looking for a deep dive into the world of history? Visit our online library at www.typerse.com for a wide variety of ebooks, audiobooks, music, and more, accessible anytime from your favorite devices.

Two scenes that demonstrate Shakespeare could write complex Female characters

There is a lot that is misunderstood when it comes to the way in which Shakespeare wrote female characters, these scenes show a depth and range that proves his detractors wrong. Whilst is undoubtedly more known for his portrayals of complex male figures of power, Shakespeare often built these words around the women who surrounded them, and the complex social dynamics that were the source of much consternation and trouble for them. These female characters were also often more subtle, more nuanced than the men that overshadowed them, as these scenes show.

Macbeth Act 5, Scene 1

This scene most famous for the line “out damned spot” is perhaps not only one of Shakespeare’s most iconic moments, but one of the most iconic moments for any female character on stage or script. Demonstrating the layers of guilt, hubris, and conscience, and helping to position her as something of a morally ambiguous figure. At fault for assisting her husband, but equally still a victim of his hubris and ruthless ambition.

Hamlet-Act 4, Scene 5

Arguably one of the definitive portrayals of female madness and depression, Ophelia has become an often revisited and reinterpreted figure throughout art, literature, and music. Unlike so many other more fraught portrayals, this is not a matter of a woman driven insane by love or capriciousness but by grief and despair., something far more immutable and intangible.

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