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

Sex & Scandal in 1920s Soho

Feb 25, 2025

Discover the electrifying transformation of 1920s Soho into a hedonistic hotspot, alive with jazz music and a thriving sex and drug trade. Uncover the allure of the notorious 'dope girls' who captivated and scandalized society. Explore how post-war attitudes reshaped women’s autonomy and societal views on sexuality. Dive into the glamorous yet guilt-ridden world of drug use and celebrity amidst sensational media narratives. Finally, contemplate Soho's evolution from a vibrant nightlife hub to a trendy neighborhood, reflecting on its rich and tumultuous past.

31:09

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Quick takeaways

The post-WW1 era transformed Soho into a vibrant center of jazz, sex work, and drugs, reflecting a shift in societal norms.

The prominence of 'dope girls' during this time highlighted changing gender roles and female empowerment in a turbulent social landscape.

Deep dives

Post-War Hedonism in Soho

The aftermath of the Great War transformed Soho into an epicenter of hedonism and nightlife, reflecting the trauma and desires of a generation eager to escape their grief. In the 1920s, the area became synonymous with jazz, sex work, and drug use, creating a vibrant yet murky atmosphere where both unlawful activities and liberation thrived. This period was marked by young women, known as 'dope girls', who not only entertained patrons but also engaged in the burgeoning drug trade, complicating the social landscape of the time. The influential role of women in this post-war context highlighted a shifting dynamic in society where traditional gender roles were challenged and redefined, as many women embraced newfound independence and autonomy.

Intro

4min

The Evolution of Soho: From Aristocratic Playground to Bohemian Hub

2min

The Roaring Twenties: Social Change in Soho

9min

The Rise of Drug Regulation and Medical Miracles in Early 20th Century

2min

Glamour and Guilt in 1920s Soho

12min

The Transformation of Soho: From Seedy to Trendy

3min

When and why did Soho become a hedonistic hotspot, the home of sex, drugs and music?

Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Dan Snow to talk about post-WW1 London - when a dark underworld of shady characters are soundtracked by an exploding jazz scene, fuelled by a roaring drugs trade.

At the heart of it are the so-called 'dope girls'. Women who fascinated and appalled society in equal measure.

How did a post war mindset influence the 1920s? How did the press react to all the scandal? And, who were some of the major players involved?

Historic Soho has been brought to life in the new BBC show Dope Girls, which tells the story of Soho when female gangs ran the nightclubs after the First World War. You can watch it on BBC iPlayer now.

You can listen to Dan's podcast, Dan Snow's History Hit here.

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