Author’s Note
106 Words
Author’s Note
Under British law in the 1700s, women had few rights. A wife was essentially her husband’s property and if he wanted to beat her, he could. Most husbands didn’t, of course, but those who did had no fear of legal consequences.
It wasn’t until 1853 that the Act for the Better Prevention and Punishment of Aggravated Assaults upon Women and Children was passed. Under this act, a man convicted of marital violence could be fined £20 or imprisoned for up to six months.
On a more cheerful note, there really was a jewelers and goldsmiths shop at 32 Ludgate Hill, London, and it really was called Theed and Pickett.
- Writer
