What is it about?
In east London in the 18th century a Rag Fair was held most days on Rosemary Lane. The Rag Fair had the reputation of being disorderly, encouraging thieves and pickpockets to roam the area. The Rag Fair was predominately run by women. This article brings to light the stories of some of the women who made a living by buying and selling old clothes and other stolen goods.
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Why is it important?
This article is important as it discusses early modern women and the makeshift economy. It also shows that many poor women had agency and refused to stay in the margins of life.
Perspectives
It was great to have this article published and share the stories some of the women and men who frequented Rag Fair.
Dr Janice M Turner
University of Hertfordshire
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: ‘Ill-Favoured sluts’?— The Disorderly Women of Rosemary Lane and Rag Fair, The London Journal, July 2013, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1179/0305803412z.00000000023.
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