Mary Ann Bevan’s journey is one of profound resilience and heartbreaking sacrifice. Born Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, she trained and worked honorably as a nurse. In 1902, she married Thomas Bevan, and together they had four children.
Her life took a dramatic turn in her early thirties: she developed acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone that leads to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. At the time, the condition was poorly understood, and its progression robbed her of both her appearance and her nursing career.
Tragedy struck in 1914 when Thomas died unexpectedly, leaving Mary Ann a widow with four children and no source of income. Desperate to support her family, she entered a contest for the “Ugliest Woman in the World” and, despite the humiliation, won. This led to a contract with Sam Gumpertz to perform in Coney Island’s Dreamland freak show, and later for Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Despite the ridicule and physical pain—including headaches and vision problems—she continued performing for years. Mary Ann managed to earn enough to send her children back to England for schooling—a testament to her love and commitment.
Her story even caught the attention of famed neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing, who confirmed that her condition was medical, not merely “ugliness,” and criticized the circus for exploiting her.
Mary Ann died on December 26, 1933, at age 59. True to her final wish, she was buried in South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.
Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder: she was not just a sideshow attraction, but a devoted mother who endured humiliation and pain to provide hope and opportunity for her children.
Mary Ann’s story is a testament to a mother’s unwavering determination and a stark reflection of societal attitudes toward disability more than a century ago. It urges us to recognize her humanity and the sacrifices she made.
