1-238-190 - The London Archives (City of London)/Heritage Images

A wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, 1816. A woman stands with a rope round her neck, like an animal; Smithfield is a cattle market. A man - presumably her husband - holds the rope. Another man chucks her under the chin. People have assembled for the spectacle, and dogs and small boys enjoy the excitement. A publican stands outside his tavern in his apron to watch.