'Ill-Favoured sluts'? — The Disorderly Women of Rosemary Lane and Rag Fair. (July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner, Janice
• Is Part Of: London journal. Volume 38:Number 2(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2013-07
• Subjects: Disorderly -- Makeshift -- Rag Fair -- Rosemary Lane -- Thief-takers; London (England) -- History -- Periodicals; London (England) -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 942.1005
• DOI: 10.1179/0305803412Z.00000000023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-8034

Abstract

Abstract : Rosemary Lane in London's East End had a reputation in the eighteenth century for being a disorderly neighbourhood. This reputation was in large part due to the Rag Fair that occurred there and its penchant for attracting disorderly women, pickpockets, thieves, and receivers of stolen goods. This paper will discuss the complicated relationship that existed between some of these streetwise disorderly women and the local thief-takers, who were major participants in the network of criminality that existed in this neighbourhood. In doing so, it will show that some plebeian women in London could be decision-makers and decision-takers; able to navigate the margins of society, and to make a livelihood for themselves that was not dependent on a husband or a partner.