Corset

While visiting Constantinople, Lady Montagu lost no opportunity telling Turkish women about the superior status of women in England. Her case was undermined, however, when her hosts invited her visit a public bath one day.

The Turkish lady who helped her undress was amazed at the sight of Lady Montagu's stays and called her friends (among them several prominent literary and political figures) to come and look. "See how cruelly the poor English ladies are used by their husbands!" she cried. "How can you boast of your greater liberty when your husbands lock you up in a box like this?"