18/06/2026
Today marks 194 years since the birth of twin sisters Hannah and Mary Ann Burder. Better known in Colchester as the “Old Hannahs” or “Silly Hannahs”, they became some of the town’s most recognisable Victorian characters.
Orphaned as infants, the sisters grew up in Colchester working as straw bonnet makers, later becoming basket makers. Hats remained a constant – later described as brightly decorated with ribbons, lace and flowers as they walked the roads around Lexden.
They were a familiar sight locally, even appearing in a decorative table-top in our collection, shown walking beside Colchester Castle. They lived at various addresses including Maldon Road cottages, Brook Street and Fairfax Road.
By the 1880s, life had become much harder. Found sleeping in an outhouse and brought before magistrates, they famously replied to questioning: “We are Queens.” Stories grew from this, with one seen as the Queen and the other her Lady-in-Waiting.
Despite hardship and periods of homelessness, they survived through determination and the kindness of others. They sold small baskets and flowers, and were often remembered as gentle, if eccentric, characters.
In 1895, records show them lodging in a house on Lexden Road, known locally as the “Old Sallies” or “Silly Hannahs”. Though sometimes mocked in Victorian newspapers, they were also remembered with affection, especially by local children.
A remarkable photograph from around 1894 shows the sisters wearing thick knitted scarves, made by young sisters Freda and Nan Garling of Lexden. It’s a rare, personal link between families and a powerful glimpse into their lives.
Hannah died in 1900, with Mary Ann following in 1902 after time in the Colchester Workhouse – a place they had reportedly feared. Their lives were shaped by hardship, but also by resilience and individuality.
Today, their story lives on through photographs, objects and research shared through the Colchester Then & Now project. A reminder that local history is often built from small discoveries and shared memories.
These images include the sisters themselves, their handmade scarves, the Garling family, and places they once lived. Explore more stories like this through our collections, online and in the museum.
