Marie Lloyd was born Matilda Alice Victoria Wood in Hoxton, London, England. Her father described by historians as a very likeable man worked at one time for Royal Eagle Tavern, which is where Marie first got a taste of music, and performing.

With her sisters, Marie formed a singing group called the Fairy Bells Minstrels, and their mother designed costumes for them. They would perform temperance songs in local missions and church halls.

It was during her teen years that Matilda changed her name to Marie, and soon after began to see major success as a music hall performer. Her performances were considered racy by many within her generation, but in fact would be quite tame by today's standards. She was a brilliant comedienne, singer, and performer who would engage her audience, and therefore built a strong, adoring fan base.

However, there were those who attempted to shut her down particularly groups known as Vigilance or "Watch" committees. They stated her songs were immoral, yet when she sung them straight without the benefit of well placed smiles, and winks they sounded very harmless, and she loved pointing out that any "immorality was in the minds of the complainants!"

During a visit to America she found that her rather racy reputation was already well known in the States. In an interview with the New York Telegraph she stated, "They don't pay their sixpences and shillings at a music hall to hear the Salvation Army. If I was to try to sing highly moral songs, they would fire ginger beer bottles and beer mugs at me. I can't help it if people want to turn and twist my meanings."

Marie was famous in her day that is of no doubt. She was paid very well for her performances yet still walked the picket lines during a 1907 strike by other performers who were ill-treated. Here is another quote in regards: "We (the stars) can dictate our own terms. We are fighting not for ourselves , but for the poorer members of the profession, earning thirty shillings to £3 a week. For this they have to do double turns, and now matinees have been added as well. These poor things have been compelled to submit to unfair terms of employment, and I mean to back up the federation in whatever steps are taken."

She also performed for free for the returning veterans of WWI.

Marie passed away in October 1922 just three days after giving what was to be her final performance. She was so beloved that over one hundred thousand people attended her funeral, and a theatrical newspaper, The Era proclaimed the cortège a "Royal Progress."

This entry is for Khlari who I wish to thank for introducing me to Marie, a woman who in life I would have admired, and who in history I have greatly enjoyed learning about!

Sources & Further Reading:

The English Music Hall - Fantastic write-up, and several images.

Marie Lloyd - Wiki entry

East London History - Newspaper Article

Miss Marie Lloyd - Queen of the Music Hall - BBC special