Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Murderous Affairs of King James
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May 27, 2025 Join Gareth Russell, a historian and author of 'Queen James,' as he details the scandalous life of King James VI & I. Discover the political intrigue surrounding the murder plot of the handsome Bonnie Earl of Moray and how King James navigated personal desires amidst royal responsibilities. Delve into the eerie backdrop of Scottish witch trials and explore the intense rivalries within the nobility. With humor and tension, this conversation reveals the complex interplay of romance, power, and scandal in 17th-century Scotland.
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James's Bisexuality Revealed
- King James VI was likely bisexual with an overwhelming preference for men. - His passionate relationships with male favorites profoundly influenced his life and politics.
Murray's Dangerous Friendship
- The bonnie Earl of Murray was the most handsome man in Scotland and a close friend of King James. - His friendship with Bothwell, accused in witch trials, drew James's suspicion amid a paranoid political climate.
James's Witch Hunt Paranoia
- James initially doubted witch trials but was convinced after confessions including that Bothwell was linked to treason. - The paranoia fueled political tensions and mistrust at court.