Mary Ann Bevan has been deemed the “World’s Ugliest Woman“. Despite her reputation she was astonishingly beautiful in her youth. Not to mention a strong and resourceful woman who overcame numerous obstacles in her lifetime.

Mary Ann Bevan was born Mary Ann Webber on December 20, 1874. One of 8 children, she grew up in a suburban area called Plaistow, on the Eastern edge of London. She went on to become a nurse prior to marrying and becoming a mother. And prior to becoming the ugliest woman in the world.

Marry Ann Bevan Faces Obstacles

Marry Ann Bevan worked hard most of her life. However, there was a brief period in her life during which time she lived in bliss. She married Thomas Bevan of Kent County in 1903. Although the pair would have 4 children, their union was not long lasting. Sadly, Thomas passed away unexpectedly, leaving his wife to care for their family in 1914. Not long after the passing of her husband, Mary Ann Bevan began to show signs of her own health concerns. Mary Ann Bevan had developed Acromegaly. It is a disorder that impacts hormone production, as the “pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood.” In turn, this causes bones to “increase in size”.

 

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Noting a Rare Condition

Luckily, the rare condition is believed to impact less than 20,000 people annually, and thanks to modern medicine, is easily treated. However, it can develop both during adolescence and in adulthood. In childhood, the condition can cause “gigantism“, or an abnormal increase in height. Whereas, in adults such as Mary Ann Bevan, height remains the same. Rather, in adults the condition causes bones in the hands, feet, and face to grow as well as “thickened lips“. Other signs can include coarse, oily, or thickened skin. Or excessive sweating and body odor. Additionally, changes in the voice, severe snoring, vision problems, headaches, as well as other significant or problematic hormone changes. It progresses slowly and, in many cases, can take years to notice.

Generally, the condition is caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland but can also be the result of tumors in the lungs or pancreas. Furthermore, when left untreated, the condition can cause other major health problems such as an increased risk of certain cancers, heart problems and high blood pressure, as well as others. Today there are several treatment options including hormone suppressing medications, surgery, or radiation, all depending upon the size and location of the tumor.

Mary Ann Bevan Flips the Script

Sadly, for Mary Ann Bevan treatment was not an option in her lifetime, and it wasn’t long before she would need to come up with a solution to feed her family. Although her method is heartbreaking, she was undeniably resourceful and chose a creative avenue. She likely worked a number of off jobs, eventually landing a job that would forever change her life.

Supposedly, Mary Ann Bevin worked for a farmer who insulted her, telling her the only thing she was “fit for” was “the ugly woman competition.”

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