Caroline Hodgson

Caroline Hodgson (1851 – 12 July 1908), also known as Madame Brussels, was a well-known brothel proprietor and local identity of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, during the late 19th century.

Hodgson was born in Potsdam, Prussia; a daughter of John and Frederica Lohman. She married Studholme George Hodgson in London on 18 February 1871 and the couple migrated to Australia later that year, arriving in Melbourne in July 1871, where Studholme joined the Victoria Police. Within three years the couple had separated and Caroline, using the name ‘Madame Brussels’, was running a brothel, an occupation she continued in successfully until 1907. Following her husband's death in 1893, Hodgson married Jacob Pohl in 1895; however, the couple spent little time together and were divorced in 1906.Bentley, Philip. (2005). "Hodgson, Caroline (1851-1908)", in: "Australian Dictionary of Biography", Supplementary Volume, Melbourne University Press, pp 182-183. [http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10228b.htm] ]

Although she was often running more than one brothel, her principal establishment, which was also her home, was located at 32-34 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, not far from Parliament House. The building was extravagantly furnished and catered to Victoria’s commercial, political and judicial ruling class, acting much as a gentlemen's club. Hodgson’s connections protected her and her business effectively for over three decades. Eventually, Madame Brussels was forced to close in 1907, following increased efforts by the government to curtail prostitution. Hodgson died the following year at her home suffering from diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. She was buried at St Kilda Cemetery beside her first husband. She was survived by a daughter, Irene.

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