Dolly Peel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Peel
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| Born | 1782 |
| Died | 1857 |
| Nationality | British |
Dorothy Peel (1782–1857), known to everyone as Dolly Peel, was a very famous person in the Victorian era. She lived in South Shields, England, and became a local legend. Today, a statue in the town centre celebrates her memory.
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Dolly Peel's Amazing Life
Dolly Peel was a fishwife, meaning she sold fish. But she was also known for selling goods that hadn't paid taxes, sometimes called "contraband". She was also a brave protector of local sailors. She often saved them from the "press gang". The press gang was a group that forced men to join the Royal Navy.
Dolly's Brave Act
During the Napoleonic Wars, Dolly's husband, Cuthbert Peel, and her son were forced to join the Royal Navy by the press gang. Dolly was determined to get them back. She secretly snuck onto their ship and hid. When she was found, instead of being punished, she was given a job. She became a nurse for sick and injured sailors.
Dolly worked very hard and showed great dedication. Everyone on the ship respected her. Because of her amazing work, she was allowed to stay with her family. She was even given a special pardon for trying to stop the navy from taking her family. Her husband and son were then released from the navy. They were also promised they would never be forced to join again. This brave act made Dolly a local heroine.
Life Back Home
After her adventure, Dolly returned to South Shields. She worked as a hawker, which means she sold goods on the street. Many of these goods were said to be "contraband" (things sold without paying taxes). She became well known for her quick wit and exciting stories.
Dolly also wrote poetry. She was a big supporter of the local politician Robert Ingham. She even wrote poems praising him during the 1841 general election.
According to old records, in 1841, Dolly Peel lived at Ropery Stairs. By 1851, she had moved to Lookham Stairs with her husband, Cuthbert Peel. Dolly passed away on October 14, 1857, at the age of 76.
Remembering Dolly Peel
Dolly Peel's story has been remembered in many ways.
The Dolly Peel Statue
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In the 1980s, a statue of Dolly Peel was created. It was ordered by Reg Peel, who was her great-great-great grandson. The statue was made to celebrate the strength of working women in the area. It was based on an old photograph of Dolly and designed by Billy Gofton. The statue was officially revealed in 1987. You can find it on River Drive in South Shields, looking out over the River Tyne.
Play and Pub
In 1923, a play called Dolly Peel was written by Eva Elwes, a writer from South Shields. It was about Dolly's life. The play was performed again in 2005 by the Customs House theatre.
There is also a public house (a pub) in South Shields named "Dolly Peel". It has many decorations inside that honor her story.
