Reynolds’s Newspaper, 27 May 1894, had a long report of a libel case brought by Hugh Jay Didcott (of York-road, Lambeth) against the editor of the ‘Pelican’:

‘Mr Didcott was the called and said he had been a music-hall agent for the best part of a quarter of a century, during a great portion of the time in York-road. He was sometimes known by the nickname of Mr. York Road. In the course of business a lady came to him about July or August, 1887. He obtained her engagements, and about 1891 she came to live with him as his wife, living with him till December 1893. He took a house near Gordon-square, furnishing it at his own expense, but taking it in the lady’s name […]
Mr Gill then quietly rose to commence a searching, not to say scorching, cross-examination. In reply to his questions Mr Didcott said he had been known as Maurice Joseph, Hubert Jay Maurice, and Hubert Jay Didcott. His real name was Maurice Joseph, and his father’s name was Jude Joseph.

[.…] Mr Gill: Then we will try your different marriages. You were married in 1863 in the name of Maurice Joseph?—Complainant hesitated.
Come, Mr. Didcott, you must remember something. (A laugh.) —I will answer you if you will give me time.
But you were not married every day, were you? (Laughter.)
The Complainant then replied that he was married again in 1865, and was divorced in 1888 on the ground of cruelty and adultery. He was not aware that the charges against him were that he had horsewhipped his wife and given her jewellery to the lady he was living with.
He had lived with a lady in Stamford-street, but it was not necessary to mention her name any more than it was necessary to mention the name of the lady in the present case. He was again married in 1888. […]

Cross-examination resumed. His two last wives were still living.’