Mary Howe ...prostitute???

[Kappalyn]

Hi , I have been searching information re Mary Howe born abt 1797 in West Auckland. She lived in Gainford. I have just discovered that she had 5 children Ann 1828 (b 1828) Robert (b 1831) Elizabeth (b 1832) Margaret (b 1835) and William (b 1842).  On each of the Bishops transcriptions it states she was a single woman. In 1841 census it indicates she was of independant means but later census she was a laundress.  Would this indicate that she was a prostitute? If she was how would she have been treated in a small village or could there be other explanations? Any ideas would be welcome.
Margaret

[Ruskie]

I would say she may not necessarily have been a prostitute and you will probably never know if she was. 

Is a father named for any of the children?

Did Mary ever marry?

[Kappalyn]

No, every entry says she was a "single woman" and she never married.

[Kappalyn]

But there has always been questions about her daughter Elizabeth who had a son Robert.  Robert  (my gg grandfather) was sent gold sovereigns every birthday until his death and he would never reveal why or where they were from. He also kept secret his parentage. Which makes me question why Mary had 5 children but named no father.

[giblet]

Sounds to me like someone wealthy was involved.

I noticed there is a gap of 7 years between the last 2 kids. I wonder if the kids had the same father. If he was well to do and married he might have been supporting them hence Mary been "independant means" on the census even if he wasnt living with them.

A persons mind could wonder with all sorts of scenarios 

[Kappalyn]

Yes thats why I have put it out for others' ideas.   

[mim]

Hi Margaret,
I hope Mary was well treated by her Gainford neighbours as in 1851 and 1861 she is listed right next door to my Davison ancestors. Small world!

I notice she only has Elizabeth & Margaret with her in 1841. Where is Ann & Robert?

Did daughter Elizabeth marry Thomas Hopkins and go to America?

I see that Mary Howe lived to a grand old age. Obviously well cared for by daughter, Margaret.
mim

[Marmalady]

She may not have been a prostitute as such

She could have been a "kept woman" --ie the mistress of someone who was willing to support / contribute to the support of the children but not free to marry her -- hence the "independent means"

i too have an ancestress who bore several children out of wedlock -- mostly they just say "illegitimate child of..." but one also adds the notation of "a pauper"

[Kappalyn]

Thanks Mim and Marmalady for your replies.  I think I found Ann as a servant in the 1841 census, after that it is a bit more difficult to track her.  Robert died as an infant, Margaret & Elizabeth I know about and I have William in the 1861 census but after that seems to disappear. Elizabeth married Thomas Hopkins but I'm not sure about the American trip as there is a discrepancy in the facts on the US census.  And yes what a coincidence that they were living next door to your folk! 
I wonder about the idea of a "kept " woman. Elizabeth had her son Robert out of wedlock.  The family story goes that he was the illegitimate son of a very young Edward 7th .  Robert as an older man looked very like Edward. Who knows the truth but it makes a good story. However it also adds to the mystery about the parentage of Mary's children.  If she was supported by a wealthy /well to do man then it would not be surprising that Elizabeth moved in those circles as well.