The Woman with Werewolf Syndrome | Barbara van Beck | How disabled people were treated in the past

The tale of Barbara Vanbeck is one of the most fascinating, yet largely forgotten narratives from the seventeenth century. Known to her contemporaries as the “hairy lady,” she was a woman living with a rare condition that would later be identified as werewolf syndrome. Rather than fading into obscurity due to her physical differences, Barbara successfully monetized her condition, transforming herself into a renowned figure who traveled across Europe, captivating audiences and carving out a unique existence in an era that offered few opportunities for women.

Barbara Ursler, later known as Barbara Vanbeck, was born in or near Augsburg, Germany, on February 18, 1629. She was born to Balthazar and Anne Ursler, a family of no particular wealth or prominence. Under ordinary circumstances, a girl of such modest background would have vanished into the annals of history without a trace. However, due to her extraordinary appearance, Barbara became the subject of extensive documentation, providing us with a rare, clear glimpse into the life of a person living with a condition that society rarely understood.

From her early childhood, Barbara exhibited excessive hair growth across her entire body. This condition is now clinically recognized as hypertrichosis, or more colloquially, werewolf syndrome. It can be congenital—caused by a faulty gene—or acquired later in life. While documented cases are incredibly rare, with fewer than 100 instances recorded throughout history, the existence of modern cases suggests the condition has always been present. In the past, those affected often lived in isolation or died young, as families frequently rejected children born with such distinct physical anomalies.

In Barbara’s specific case, the origin of her condition remains a subject of historical debate. Some accounts suggest it was congenital, present from birth. However, there is a historical record involving the famous English diarist Samuel Pepys, who claimed that during their meeting, Barbara mentioned her hair growth began when she was seven years old. If this report is accurate, it might suggest an acquired case, though it is difficult to imagine what environmental factors could have triggered such a profound change across her entire body in a way that persisted throughout her travels and across different climates.

It is possible that Barbara was mistaken, or that Pepys encountered a different individual. Alternatively, she may have been congenital, but the hair simply reached a new level of density or prominence when she hit the age of seven. Despite the lack of medical clarity, we know that during her lifetime, there were no treatments available to manage the condition. While modern medicine offers laser treatments and electrolysis to reduce symptoms, these were nonexistent in the 1600s. Barbara had to rely on shaving, a process that likely offered only temporary relief and, given her career, might have been counterproductive to her success.

By the time she was only eight years old, it was clear to her family that Barbara’s physical condition offered a pathway to financial independence. She was placed on display for fee-paying spectators, an enterprise that would define her life for decades to come. As a child, she had no choice in the matter, and it is highly probable that her parents controlled the income generated by her exhibitions. Nevertheless, this early start set the stage for a life of constant movement and international fame, as she began traveling across the continent to showcase her appearance.

Barbara’s itinerary was extensive. By 1637, she was in London, where she was observed by the writer John Evelyn. She was later seen in Copenhagen in 1639, Paris in 1645, Rome in 1647, and Milan in 1648. She returned to her hometown of Augsburg in 1653, visited Frankfurt in 1655, and was back in London in 1657. Her travels continued well into the following decade, with appearances in Bouvet in 1660 and a third trip to England in 1668. Her career was not merely a brief curiosity but a sustained, decades-long professional life.

As she grew older, the dynamics of her life shifted. By 1657, Barbara had married a Dutch man named Johann Michael Vanbeck and had given birth to a child. The nature of this marriage has been a subject of historical conjecture. In 1769, the author James Granger speculated that Vanbeck had married her solely to exploit her as a showpiece, labeling her a “frightful creature.” However, Granger provided no evidence for this claim. It is just as likely that the union was a partnership between two people navigating a world that offered few conventional opportunities for someone with Barbara’s condition.

Other nineteenth-century accounts, such as those by Henry Wilson, suggest she married in 1654, though these accounts are riddled with inconsistencies regarding her name and age. These discrepancies serve as a reminder that primary sources are essential for historical accuracy. The most reliable information comes from those who actually met her, such as John Evelyn, who documented his second encounter with her on September 15, 1657. His description is remarkably vivid, noting not only her appearance but her talents and disposition.

Evelyn described her eyebrows as being combed upward and her forehead covered in thick, neatly dressed hair. He remarked on the locks growing from her ears, a long beard, and mustachios, with hair growing across the bridge of her nose, comparing her look to an “island dog.” Yet, he also observed that the rest of her body was covered in hair as fine as well-dressed flax. He noted that she was well-shaped and, perhaps most importantly, that she played the harpsichord skillfully, indicating that Barbara had received a formal education.

Beyond her physical appearance, Evelyn recorded that Barbara spoke of her family, noting that her child was not hairy, nor were her parents or relations. She confirmed her origins in Augsburg and demonstrated a level of self-possession that clearly left an impression on the diarist. The portraits from this period, which show her wearing fashionable, low-cut clothing, suggest that she was not trying to hide her condition but was instead presenting it in a way that aligned with contemporary aesthetic trends. She was, by all accounts, a professional.

Eleven years later, in 1668, Barbara returned to England. A note by John Bullfinch, found beneath one of her portraits, confirms that he saw her in the Ratcliffe Highway in London that year. Bullfinch remarked that he was “satisfied she was a woman,” a comment that underscores the intense, sometimes invasive scrutiny she faced. Later that same year, Samuel Pepys recorded his own encounter with her in Holborn. His account is slightly confused, misidentifying her as a Danish woman named “Ursula Dian,” but the details of her appearance leave little doubt that it was indeed Barbara.

Pepys described her as a little woman, about forty years old, with a voice like a young girl. He noted her thick, grizzly beard and observed that she had been shaved only seven months prior. He found the experience “strange” but admitted he was “pleased mightily” by the encounter. While Pepys’s entry contains errors, it aligns with the timeline of her life and the rarity of her condition. It is highly improbable that two different women matching this description were touring London at the exact same time.

The accounts of Evelyn, Bullfinch, and Pepys, while providing historical context, also reveal the unsettling reality of Barbara’s existence. When onlookers commented on her being “satisfied” she was a woman, or when Pepys noted that her handlers offered to show his wife more “satisfaction” while refusing the same to men, it becomes clear that Barbara was likely subjected to degrading, voyeuristic inspections. We will never know the full extent of the pressure she faced, or how much of her public display was a willing performance versus a forced obligation.

Despite these indignities, Barbara managed to carve out a life of relative autonomy in a time when most women were entirely dependent on their families. She traveled widely across Europe, visited bustling cities, met influential people, and possessed the means to wear fine clothing and enjoy a degree of material comfort. Her occupation, while unusual, was a form of labor that provided for her husband and child, functioning essentially as a family business. She operated with a level of agency that was rare for women of her status and time.

Historians today look back at Barbara with a different lens than those in the Victorian era, who tended to frame such individuals as “freaks” or curiosities. In 2017, when the Wellcome Collection in London acquired a portrait of Barbara, researchers emphasized that she was not portrayed as a caricature. Instead, she appears as a woman of self-possession and presence. She lived as a “natural wonder” in the eyes of many, occupying a space between the exotic and the human, always maintaining a level of professionalism that secured her livelihood.

The final confirmed sighting of Barbara comes from the 1668 records in England. After that date, she disappears from the historical record. By then, she was approaching fifty years of age. It is possible that she retired into a quiet life away from the public eye, or perhaps she passed away shortly after her final tour. Whatever her end, her life remains a testament to human resilience. She did not allow a rare, stigmatized condition to define her worth or restrict her potential.

Instead of hiding in the shadows, Barbara Vanbeck took control of her own destiny, finding a way to succeed in an environment that was often cruel. She was a traveler, a musician, a wife, and a mother. She managed to secure an education and see the world at a time when even the most privileged women were often confined to their homes. While we may look at the nature of her displays with modern discomfort, we must also acknowledge the strength it took for her to walk onto a stage and present herself on her own terms.

As we examine the history of medicine and the ways in which human bodies have been perceived throughout the centuries, Barbara stands out as a unique figure. She navigated the thin line between curiosity and personhood with a degree of grace that defied the expectations of her era. If the lost records of her life were ever to be found, they would likely reveal a woman who was far more than the sum of her symptoms—a woman who lived a full, complex, and remarkable life.

Until such discoveries are made, we are left with the accounts of those who saw her—the writers, the diarists, and the observers who were both baffled and impressed by the hairy woman from Augsburg. They saw a “strange sight,” but they also saw a woman who spoke, played music, and navigated the world with a clear, professional identity. Her story is not one of tragedy, but one of adaptation and survival in a world that was often narrow-minded.

Barbara Vanbeck remains a powerful example of how an individual can define their own narrative, even in the face of immense obstacles. She transformed a medical condition into a career, traveled across borders, and sustained a household. Her legacy serves as a reminder that history is filled with people whose lives were far more vibrant and unconventional than we often imagine. Her story is a testament to the fact that humanity has always been diverse, and that those who stand out can, if they choose, make themselves unforgettable.

In the end, we can only hope that the later years of her life were marked by the same autonomy and success that she displayed during her prime. Whether or not her marriage was a romantic union or a business convenience, she succeeded in creating a life that allowed her to survive and, by all appearances, to thrive. She traveled, she performed, and she lived on her own terms in a world that was rarely built for her.

Barbara Vanbeck, the woman who was known as the “hairy lady,” deserves to be remembered not as a curiosity of history, but as an incredible individual who defied the limitations of her time. Her story reminds us that every person, no matter how unusual their circumstances, has a story that is worth telling and that their resilience can resonate across centuries. As we continue to study the past, we honor figures like Barbara by acknowledging their agency and the unique paths they carved through a challenging world.

The mystery of her later years only adds to the intrigue surrounding her life. Did she eventually settle down in a quiet village? Did she continue to perform until the very end? Or did she find a way to step into a different, more private role as her fame waned? These questions may remain unanswered, but the impact of her journey is undeniable. She brought a small corner of the world to see her, and in doing so, she became a permanent part of the history of seventeenth-century Europe.

We might consider the way we view difference today compared to the past. While we have moved away from the idea of “freak shows,” we still struggle to fully understand or accept those who deviate from the norms of appearance. Barbara’s life serves as a bridge between these two worlds—a woman who lived in the glare of the public eye yet maintained her dignity throughout. She was a pioneer of self-representation, choosing to command the stage rather than hide from the spotlight.

It is rare to find such detailed accounts of individuals living with rare conditions from this era. This is what makes Barbara’s story so precious. Through the writings of John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, we can bridge the gap of time and imagine standing in a room with her. We can hear her voice, see her movements, and observe the way she carried herself. These glimpses into the past are the foundation upon which we understand our shared history and the diverse experiences that have shaped the human story.

As we close this account, let us reflect on the spirit of Barbara Vanbeck. She was a woman of intelligence, skill, and, above all, the courage to live authentically in a world that was often judgmental. Her life was a testament to the idea that we are not defined solely by our bodies, but by the choices we make and the way we interact with the world around us. She was, and always will be, more than a label.

The study of such lives helps us to become more empathetic and aware of the challenges faced by those who have lived before us. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and to recognize the humanity in every person, regardless of how they are perceived by their peers. Barbara’s journey was one of remarkable tenacity, and her memory deserves to be preserved with the respect and admiration it has earned.

Perhaps one day, an archive will yield a new document, a final letter, or a forgotten entry that will fill in the missing pieces of her life. Until that time, we hold on to what we know and continue to appreciate the unique path she walked. Her story is an inspiration to all who value the strength of the individual and the power of a life lived on one’s own terms.

Though centuries have passed, the echoes of her story persist. She remains a symbol of defiance against the constraints of her time. In a world that often wants to categorize us, Barbara chose to remain a singular, unforgettable presence. She was not a victim of her condition; she was the architect of her own fame. And that, in itself, is a story that deserves to be celebrated.

The legacy of Barbara Vanbeck is one that continues to grow as more people learn of her life. She was an extraordinary woman who turned the expectations of society upside down and emerged as a legend in her own right. Her journey was, and remains, an incredible chapter in the history of the seventeenth century.

As we move forward, let us keep the memory of such remarkable individuals alive. They are the threads that weave the tapestry of our collective past, and their stories are what remind us of the strength, creativity, and resilience that have always defined the human spirit. Barbara Vanbeck may have been the “hairy lady” to the world, but to history, she is a testament to the power of the human heart.

Her story ends as it began, shrouded in a bit of mystery but defined by a remarkable and unwavering sense of self. She lived as she wanted, performed as she chose, and left a mark on the world that has lasted for over three hundred years. She is the woman who turned the impossible into a career, and for that, she will always be remembered.

The path she forged was not an easy one, yet she walked it with a grace that even her critics had to acknowledge. She was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and her life remains a source of wonder and inspiration for everyone who encounters it. Barbara Vanbeck, the hairy lady of Augsburg, is finally receiving the recognition she truly deserves.

May we all find a fraction of the courage she displayed in our own lives, navigating the challenges of our time with the same determination and spirit. Her life may have been unusual, but it was undoubtedly a life lived to the fullest. And that is the most any of us can hope for, regardless of the hand we are dealt by fate.

The story of Barbara Vanbeck is one that resonates because it speaks to the fundamental human desire to be seen and understood. She took a condition that could have isolated her and used it to connect with thousands of people. She bridged the gap between the familiar and the foreign, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Ultimately, her life is a reminder that we are all much more than the sum of our parts. We are the sum of our experiences, our choices, and the people we touch along the way. Barbara touched many lives, and though she may be gone, her influence remains.

It is for this reason that we continue to research, study, and tell her story. It is a story of a woman who refused to be defined by anything other than herself. And in that, she is truly immortal. Her legend lives on, not in the hair that covered her skin, but in the spirit that illuminated her life.

So, let us remember her—not as a spectacle, but as a woman who lived with purpose. Her life was an extraordinary odyssey, a journey that took her across the landscapes of Europe and into the hearts of all who sought to understand her. She is a shining example of the resilience of the human soul.

The journey of Barbara Vanbeck is complete, but the impact of her life continues to reverberate through time. She was, and is, an icon of the human experience. We honor her by telling her story, by respecting her memory, and by acknowledging the strength it took to be who she was in a world that was rarely ready for her.

In the end, it was not the hair that made her famous; it was the woman beneath it. The musician, the traveler, the mother, and the icon—this was Barbara Vanbeck, and her story will always be one of the most incredible tales ever told. Let us cherish her legacy as we continue to learn from the past, ensuring that no one is ever truly forgotten.