SELLING HIS WIFE.
Mary Ann "Thompson was the last wife to 1)0 sold at public auction iu England, the “sale” taking place at Carlisle in 1532. She was the spouse of a fainter, Joseph Thompson, and had been married about three years when her husband decided to sell her at .auction.. This old practice, although it never had legal sanction, had been followed in rural sections of England for .centuries,- The auction commenced at noon on the appointed day,-Thompson placing his wife in a large oaken chair with a’rope around her neck. He pointed out her faults and her good qualities to the assembled throng. There were few bidders, but at length she was “knocked down” to Henry Mears, who paid 20 shillings and a Newfoundland- dog. Mr# Thompson | went away contentedly with her new I'owiier, and is said to have lived liup- ; pily with him.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OTMAIL19190217.2.23
Bibliographic details
Otaki Mail, 17 February 1919, Page 3
Word Count
146SELLING HIS WIFE. Otaki Mail, 17 February 1919, Page 3
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