One of the more distinguished graves in our churchyard, is that of Phoebe Hessel (above).
Hessel was a TRUE HEROINE. She followed her lover into the army (dressed as a man) and they served together in many battles. Eventually both she and her lover were wounded at The Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. Later, when her wounds were being dressed by the Colonel's wife, her secret was revealed.
After her Service Career, she became a fish-seller in Brighton, and was a well-loved local character. Even The Prince Regent (later King George IV) appreciated her and her exploits, and he granted her a generous pension.
Hessel died in 1821 aged 108, and I walk past her grave twice daily.
If you have a moment it's worth looking at her Wiki page, to see her full exploits. An amazing woman!
18 comments:
What a life she had and to live to 108 in those days was rare. I’m sure there were a few Phoebes in those days. Very brave. XXXX
She was a remarkable woman. When I see visitors looking at other gravestones I always direct them to PH's stone.
What a brave woman indeed. As Jackie says, she was fortunate to have reached such an age in those days.
Amazing woman. It seems to me that in some cases, people like her, and Chelsea pensioners and so on, who have done heroic things during the war, live to a grand age, it must be something in their constitution.
Especially after her exploits!
They probably don't have time for drink, drugs, and motorbikes.
When you were young, did you meet her yourself?
What an incredible woman and to live to such an incredible age. Her exploits were so rare for a female in those days, and not too common even now - in the days of female emancipation and "enlightenment".
Fascinating and 108 is amazing. Regards Sue H
Nice to see a memorial stone with an outline of her life. It certainly is a point of interest for visitors
No, but she did meet me!
She really was remarkable. She should be better known. A 'Hessel Prize' maybe!
A grand old age. I cannot even imagine living that long!
I do point-out the stone to visitors occasionally. They always love it.
So much history at your doorstep.
Now there's a woman that lived her life her way.
Bravo!
There is evidence of Brighton going back to the Bronze Age, but mostly our history goes back to the late 1700's when the town became very fashionable as a result of the Pavilion being built by The Prince Regent.
Wasn't she wonderful. Some dame!
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