Note 57 — Chapter Six
Reading edition
“Morning Herald,” March 11, 1802.—On the 11th of last month a person sold, at the market cross, in Chapel en la Frith, a wife, a child, and as much furniture as would set up a beggar, for eleven shillings.
“Morning Herald,” April 16, 1802.—A butcher sold his wife by auction at the last market day at Hereford. The lot brought £1 4s. and a bowl of punch.
“Annual Register,” February 14, 1806.—A man named John Garsthorpe exposed his wife for sale in the market at Hall about 1 o’clock, but owing to the crowd which such an extraordinary occurrence had brought together, he was obliged to defer the sale, and take her away, about 4 o’clock. However, he again brought her out, and she was sold for 20 guineas, and delivered with a halter, to a person named Houseman, who had lodged with them for four or five years.
“Morning Post,” October 10, 1808.—One of those disgraceful scenes which have of late become too common took place on Friday se’nnight at Knaresborough. Owing to some jealousy, or other family difference, a man brought his wife, equipped in the usual style, and sold her at the market cross for 6d and a quid of tobacco.—Ibid.