Betty Careless in the arms of an admirer

Betty Careless or Betsy Careless (c.1704-1739) was a notorious prostitute and later bagnio-owner in London. Probably born Elizabeth Carless (though she later used the name Mrs. Elizabeth Biddulph too), she adapted her name to better suit her profession. Her name, beauty and reputation made her something of an archetypal courtesan for the popular culture of the day.