Fanny and Stella: A tale of cross-dressing, scandal, and survival in Victorian England
“was only a stupid act of folly,” but evidence and eyewitness testimony proved otherwise. One policeman even testified that he’d seen Fanny and Stella out and about in women’s clothing for nearly a year.Thomas Shenton, an inspector of police, testified about the search conducted at 13 Wakefield-street.
Many dresses, skirts, cloaks, shoes, chignons, bonnets, and other feminine items were discovered and cataloged.Prosecutors presented as evidence photographs of Fanny and Stella in female attire and personal correspondence.
The defendants’ defense attorney objected to reading the letters, but the Magistrate ruled that they were pertinent to the case and have become public record.Here is a letter from Fanny Winnifred Park to a man named Arthur, dated November 22:My dearest Arthur, You must really excuse me from interfering in matrimonial squabbles (for I am sure the present is no more than that); and though I am, as you say, Stella’s confidante in most things, that which you wish to know she keeps locked up in her own breast.
My own opinion on the subject varies fifty times a day when I see you together. She may sometimes treat you brusquely; but, on the other hand, see how she stands up for your dignity of position (in the matter of Ellils’s parts for instance), so that I really cannot form an opinion on the subject.
