“by the honour of your mother” [SIGN]
Because of traditional gender roles (and inheritance and property laws) fathers typically commanded the households in the Sherlock Holmes stories — we're looking at you, Grimesby Roylott and Jephro Rucastle.
But here and there, we find mothers who stepped up and took charge. Or at least made their wishes clearly known.
- Mrs. Ferguson let Mrs. Mason know what was going on, in order that her baby would be under watchful eyes ("The Sussex Vampire")
- Mrs. St. Claire took it upon herself to go in search of her husband in some of the seedier areas of London ("The Man with the Twisted Lip")
- Mrs. Munro hid her daughter from her second husband, for fear of rejection ("The Yellow Face")
- Mrs. Maberley stood by her decision to remain in her house ("The Three Gables")
- And of course, the matronly Mrs. Hudson kept things running at 221B Baker Street
The number of mothers in the Canon is small, as we're not definitely told about whether many of the married women we come across have children. But we can rest assured that they cared deeply about their families.
If you don't believe us, go ask your mother.
Baker Street Elementary follows the original adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in Victorian London. An archive of all previous episodes can be viewed at the Baker Street Elementary website.
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