Monday 25 July 2011

Mrs. Bradley

In The Times of 1866, within the column set aside for advertisements, it is common to find, each day, a list of requests and pleas, one after another. It is in this section of the newspaper where those in need make their entreaties, whether it is a need for money, communication, retrieving what was lost, or to find those who are absent. However, on February 9, 1866, Mrs. Bradley posted the following two advertisements, neither of which are requests, but rather, offerings.

      The Times Friday, Feb 09, 1866; pg. 1; Issue 25417; col B

It reads: 
THE YOUNG WOMAN who complained at the Wandsworth Police Court of INABILITY to get her CHILD BURIED is requested to SEND (by post) her NAME and ADDRESS to M.B., 28 Wyndham-street, Bryanston-square.
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THE MAN dressed in canvas suit, who APPLIED at the Thames Police Court for CLOTHES, to enable him to get work, on the 9th of January, is desired to SEND his NAME and ADDRESS (by post) to Mrs. Bradley, 28, Wyndham-street, Bryanston-square, London.

I am sure there is a desperately sad story behind this woman in need of a grave and this man in need of work. I wonder if they read these advertisements that were written for them and finally received what they were in need of. I find it interesting that these were both posted together on the same day. It is especially curious when noticing that the man in the canvas suit had made his request a month prior to the posting. It is also interesting to note that the first request was made at the Wandsworth Police Court and the second was made at the Thames Police Court. What connection did Mrs. Bradley have to each of these locations that would allow her to be aware of the diverse needs of these two individuals? I also wonder if this was an impulsive act of giving or only a sample of the charity of Mrs. Bradley. Did it take courage for her to offer these acts of kindness, or did she do it without hesitation? I have been unable to find any other postings from Mrs. Bradley, and yet, these two seemingly random offerings were likely as refreshing in her time as they would be in ours.  

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