Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society cover image

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

The Dark History of London’s Drug World

Mar 11, 2025
Join Professor Toby Seddon, a leading expert in drug policy from University College London, as he unravels the tumultuous drug scene in post-WW1 Soho. Discover how cocaine and morphine slipped from medicinal use to the trendy nightclubs and opium dens. Delve into compelling tales of female gangs ruling the nightlife, the evolution of Britain's drug perception, and the sensationalized lives of infamous 'dope kings.' The discussion also sheds light on the societal anxieties that shaped drug legislation during this vibrant yet risky era.
35:38

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The emergence of recreational drug use in post-WW1 London reflected a societal shift in attitudes towards pleasure and peril.
  • Media sensationalism around drug use illustrated deeper anxieties about gender roles and race in a transforming 1920s society.

Deep dives

The Dark Side of 1920s Soho

The 1920s in London's Soho was characterized by a vibrant nightlife that belied a dangerous underbelly fueled by drug use. Clubs were often supplied with substances like cocaine and morphine, creating a culture where pleasure came with peril. Establishments run by figures such as Kate Merrick and Brilliant Chang thrived on this cocktail of excitement, leading patrons to pay dearly for their indulgences. The interplay of sex, drugs, and jazz set the stage for a thrilling yet treacherous era, where many risked their reputations and even their lives in pursuit of hedonism.

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