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Thomas Cooke
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Thomas Cooke
Thomas Cooke, the miser of Islington, and his wife who he married for her wealth : together they lived a life of ridiculous parsimony, suspicious of everyone Date: 1726 - 1811
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Media ID 14289841
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1726 1811 Cooke Islington Lived Married Miser Misers Money Ridiculous Suspicious Wealth
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Thomas Cooke: The Miser of Islington and His Wealthy Wife (1726-1811) This evocative image captures the enigmatic figure of Thomas Cooke, a notorious miser from Islington, London, and his wife, whom he had married for her substantial fortune. The photograph, taken in the late 18th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of extreme parsimony and suspicion that defined their lives. Thomas Cooke, a tradesman by profession, was known for his unyielding obsession with money. His penny-pinching ways were legendary in Islington, and he was often the subject of local gossip and ridicule. Cooke's frugality knew no bounds, and he would go to great lengths to save even the smallest amount of money. He is said to have mended his own shoes with string and wore clothing that had been patched and repaired until it was beyond recognition. However, Cooke's most notable act of parsimony was his decision to marry a wealthy woman. He saw in her an opportunity to secure a fortune and live a life of comfort. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, was reportedly quite young and attractive. Despite the age difference and the potential scandal, Cooke went ahead with the marriage, much to the shock and disapproval of the local community. Together, Thomas Cooke and his wife lived a life of ridiculous parsimony. They were suspicious of everyone, including their servants, and would go to great lengths to prevent any potential loss of money. They would count their coins multiple times a day, hide their money in various hiding places, and even sleep with their money under their pillows. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for obsession and the lengths some will go to in pursuit of wealth. The story of Thomas Cooke and his wife is a fascinating tale of intrigue, greed, and the human condition. It is a story that continues to captivate and inspire, long after the passing of the 18th century.
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