Sensationalising Hull: Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Theatrical and Literary Connections

Hatter, Janine

Abstract

Best-selling Victorian sensation fiction author Mary Elizabeth Braddon was (in)famous for novels depicting female bigamists, attempted murder, arson and bribery; anything and everything that shocked Victorian sensibilities. Before she gained international fame with Lady Audley’s Secret (1862) and Aurora Floyd (1862) though, she began her writing career in the East Riding, and she continued to use the county as a setting for her fiction for the next fifty years. Braddon also toured the county as a travelling actress in the 1850s, sparking a debate within Hull’s Board of Health while raising money for Pearson Park. Braddon’s connections with Hull and the East Riding illustrate her creative talents, her fiery passion and a notoriety that continued for the rest of her life.

Citation

Hatter, J. (2017). Sensationalising Hull: Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s Theatrical and Literary Connections. In D. J. Starkey, D. Atkinson, B. McDonagh, S. McKeon, & E. Salter (Eds.), Hull: Culture, History, Place (147-149). Liverpool University Press

• Publication Date: 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 18, 2024
• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Pages: 147-149
• Book Title: Hull: Culture, History, Place
• ISBN: 9781781384206
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4361121