Henry Mayhew – Watercress Girl p508-511

This was a very emotional passage that I’m sure captured the attention and concern of all who read it. Mayhew tells of an encounter with a young eight-year-old girl who works tirelessly each day selling watercresses to earn money. What Mayhew captures the most is how this girl has lost her childhood from growing up in those conditions.

“Although only eight years of age, had entirely lost all childish ways, and was, indeed, in thoughts and manner, a woman. There was something cruelly pathetic in hearing this infant, so young that her features had scarcely formed themselves, talking of the bitterest struggles of life, with the calm earnestness of one who had endured them all.” (p508)

Mayhew was not able to speak to her as we would speak to a child today, but she probably had more knowledge than he did of the subject. She knew nothing of dolls, playgrounds, and playmates. She had no education, religion, parental teachings, or childish friendships; all she knew was the business of selling. Though it is sad to think of the environment that this girl had to grow up in; how her childhood was stolen from her (and probably her adulthood as well)…The first thing that came to my mind as I read was hero. This young girl took up the responsibilities of a woman (and probably a mother to younger siblings) in order to help provide for her family. She went out every morning, no matter the weather, no matter how underfed she was and did what had to be done, and she did so without complaining. Not only did she give up her childhood, but the responsibilities that she took up, was done with dignity and much skill.

“I am a capital hand at bargaining—but only at buying watercreases. They can’t take me in. If the woman tries to give me a small handful of creases, I says, ‘I ain’t a goin’ to have that for a ha’porth,’ and I go to the next basket, and so on, all round. I know the quantities very well.” (p510)

I found it amazing how a little girl of eight had already taken her place in society, when during this day and age, many are so reluctant to find their place.