Catherine (Skittles) Walters
Who: Catherine Walters was born June 13, 1839-August 4, 1920. She was the daughter of a customs official. She got the nickname while working in a bowling alley as a young woman. She was the last great Courtesan of the Victorian Era
When: During the 1860’s is when she made her appearances in Rotten Row in Hyde Park
Why: She rode horses and was a skilled woman and also made a living as a wealthy prostitute.
Where: Born in Liverpool but later moved to London
What: Her beauty was captivating which led people to her especially men. She could also ride a horse and pull a carriage with some of the best horsemen. In the 1860’s is when she made her debut. Catherine was also a trendsetter which during the Victorian era many women wanted to model themselves after her. People would get excited seeing her ride through in more ways than trotting on a horse. She was a well-known prostitute, her customers consisted of politicians, aristocrats, and a member of the British family. She was very quiet about how she conducted business which made her prostitution sales very wanted amongst the elite. They knew they could pay top dollar for a good time and their business not beat them home. Some of her customers must have payed very well because she had bought a good bit of property. There was a letter written about her in The Times in 1862 how people waited around by the hundreds just to be in presence and see her. She was the first love of the poet Wilfrid Blunt who was infatuated with her for the rest of his life. Skittles later died of a Cerebral Hemorrhage and never married. After reading about this woman sometimes beauty and booty can afford one treasures beyond your wildest dreams.
Humanities Girl 