History Extra podcast Scandals that shocked Georgian Britain
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Sep 17, 2023 Historian and author Emily Brand discusses scandalous affairs, messy duels, corrupt law-enforcers, and vengeful ghosts that captivated Georgian Britain. She explores the dissemination of scandals through personal correspondence, word of mouth, and print culture. The scandalous personal life of a prime minister, scandals involving a sex scandal between MP William Beckford and aristocrat William Courtney, and the significance of scandals as historical sources are also covered.
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Georgian Scandal Fascination
- Georgians loved scandals, particularly those involving high society sex and political corruption.
- These scandals resonated with the public due to transgressions against social norms and codes of honor.
Scandal Dissemination
- The spread of Georgian scandals was fueled by personal letters, word of mouth, and servants' gossip.
- The explosion of print culture, including newspapers, satirical prints, and dedicated gossip columns, amplified their reach.
Grafton's Affair
- Prime Minister Grafton's affair with courtesan Nancy Parsons became a political scandal.
- His enemies attacked his character and fitness for office, highlighting the intersection of personal and political life.