Mary Ann Bevan, a charming Englishwoman, was forced to work in funfairs and circuses in the early 20th century when she was diagnosed with acromegaly. 
Mary Ann Bevan, often referred to as “the ugliest woman in the world”, often performed at carnivals and similar events to make ends meet and support her family. Mary Ann Bevan did not always have a reputation for being “ugly”. Born on the outskirts of London in the late 19th century, she was treated like any other young girl of the time. 
After reaching adulthood and having several children, everything changed when she was diagnosed with a rare disfiguring disease. Within a few years, Mary Ann Bevan’s face, hands and feet were deformed beyond recognition, leaving her with no choice but to rely on her appearance to make ends meet. Mary Ann Webster was born on 20 December 1874 to a large family on the outskirts of London.
She grew up like her siblings and studied nursing in 1894, before marrying a Kent farmer named Thomas Bevan in 1903. The Bevan’s had a good start in married life, with two healthy sons and two healthy daughters.
The world’s ugliest woman”: The tragic story of Mary Ann Bevan