The LRB Podcast
Unspeakable Acts
May 1, 2024
Historical expert Tom Crewe discusses the last men hanged in England for sodomy in the 1830s, revealing Londoners' ambivalence towards 'unnatural crimes'. He explores how crimes were euphemistically spoken of, the reluctance to talk about certain topics, and the surprising societal perceptions of that time.
47:01
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Quick takeaways
- Societal attitudes towards homosexuality in the 19th century involved a hidden but prevalent presence of gay sexuality, highlighting the complexities of public perceptions and legal enforcement.
- Literary works of the era, like Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park,' subtly addressed homosexual themes through coded language, showcasing an awareness of same-sex relationships within societal norms.
Deep dives
James Pratt and John Smith: Ordinary Men with Tragic Fates
James Pratt and John Smith, two ordinary working-class men in 1835, met at a house in Southwark and were arrested for engaging in a sexual act, discovered and reported by the homeowners. Although they were part of a larger world, their involvement in a rare incident of witnessed sexual activity led to their tragic fate. The case illustrates the common but hidden presence of gay sexuality in society, with their story revealing the complexities of societal attitudes and legal enforcement during that time.
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