The Pig-faced Lady

The story of a lady born with a pig’s face, told in several languages, usually said a beggar woman cursed a new bride who called her squalling child a pig. In London in 1815 a hoax pamphlet led people to advertise themselves as her companion or her husband. In Dublin the tale fastened on Grizel Steevens, who built Dr Steevens’ Hospital, and genteel parties went to see her silver trough and pig-faced portrait; the housekeeper never denied them, but said she dared not show them. Her real portrait shows a pleasant-looking lady, and showmen at fairs passed off a shaved bear in a bonnet as the pig-faced lady.