The Diary of Nathaniel Bryceson (Part 7)

[Ruskie]

Just imagine people looking at that photo in 100 years time and arguing about what model that lovely old Ford is, and why the white van has such big windows, and what was that yellow thing for.  

Very good point Shaun. 

[snowyw]

Today's entry is interesting if short. There is a lot on google about the Swiss Giantess (assuming there was only one  ) She appears to have been born about 1801. Her name?  A letter written in 1850 says she commited suicide by drowing, thought it doesn't say where or when ... 

Here's the letter

http://carlyleletters.dukejournals.org/cgi/content/full/25/1/lt-18500428-JWC-JAC-01

[ShaunJ]

The body of Eliza Lawrence alias Madame Litiz known as the Swiss Giantess was retrieved from the Thames near the Red House, Battersea on 7 October 1846 or thereabouts.

There was a piece of paper in her pocket which read " Number 9 Short's Gardens, Seven Dials. Knock twice and ask for Emma". Emma was duly located and identified the body.

[snowyw]

I bet Nathaniel will mention it when we get to October.

Where did you find that info?

[ShaunJ]

Where did you find that info?

There are extensive reports of the inquest in contemporary newspapers which can be accessed online via the Gale/BL 19th century newspaper database ( many public libraries such as Lancashire and Surrey offer free online access to this database to their members - I don't know about Northants Libraries but if not, you could try joining Lancashire)

[Siamese Girl]

I'm very grateful to Lancashire Council for giving me free access to all the newspaper databases - I can't even get them in a Kent library let alone at home.

Anyway - the entry does show that Nat went back to his diary after the event to add to the entries.

Carole

[snowyw]

Uuuumm!  Having re-read the entry, I see what you mean.. He says it was the last time he saw her, but didn't actually say 'because she died in October', which we know now


I've just joined the library!!

[Ruskie]

Eliza Lawrence? I wonder why she was the "Swiss giantess"? The surname Lawrence doesn't sound very Swiss .... 

Good detective work Snowy and Carole. On first reading I didn't notice Nat's implication that the Swiss Giantess had died ... 

I wonder if I can join Lancs library?  Some time ago I did join another UK library for access to Gale. They were fine with me joining even though I gave an Australian address ...  I can't remember now but I think it may have been something to do with the licence that they decided to refuse access from other countries. 

[Siamese Girl]

I guess Swiss simply sounded exotic at the time. Irish Giant was another popular one. You didn't make it to the top in showbiz when you were called plain Eliza Lawrence. Madame Litiz is much more mysterious and intriguing.
Carole