Ella was a fascinating 19th century character, a student of the equally colourful “Sword Prince”, Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. Of humble Midwestern origins, she completely re-invented herself as “La Jaguarina, Champion Amazon of the Age” and set about challenging male champions in the bizarre sport of equestrian sabre fencing. She also ran a physical culture school and worked as an actress and model.

Essentially, Jaguarina was a real-life Victorian-era American super hero. Rumour has it that her biography is presently in the works. …