Southwark’s history includes people who lived beyond the gender expectations of their time. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the term “female husband” was used for people assigned female at birth who lived as men and married women.
In 1760, Sarah Paul, living under the name Samuel Bundy, was convicted under laws of the time after marrying Mary Parlour. Nearby, the Royal Mortar Tavern later became known for its “She/He barman”, Mary Ann Walker, who lived publicly as Thomas.
Just east of Shad Thames in Dockhead, James Allen worked as a skilled shipwright’s sawyer. Allen lived publicly as a man, married his wife Mary in 1808, and spent more than twenty years building a life in Bermondsey before dying in a workplace accident in 1829. After his death, newspapers sensationalised the discovery that he had been assigned female at birth.
Many historians believe some of these “female husbands” may have identified as trans men were they alive today. Their stories remind us that trans and gender non-conforming people have long been part of Southwark’s communities.
Courage Yard – Walk With Pride Heritage Trail
