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Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Scottish Kings' Sex Lives
Jul 21, 2023
Linda Porter, author of historical books, joins the podcast to discuss the scandalous love lives of Scottish kings in the 15th and 16th centuries. Topics include royal affairs with commoners, the liberal attitudes towards sex in Scotland, and the consequences of these relationships. The episode also touches on the unique approach of Scottish kings to royal engagements, the visibility of Stuart kings, and the Scottish justice system.
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Quick takeaways
- Scottish kings, such as James IV and James V, had a reputation for their sexual proclivities and the numerous mistresses they had, displaying a different approach to sexual relationships compared to other European monarchies of the time.
- Despite their sexual escapades, the Scottish kings were also competent rulers, interested in various areas such as arts, science, and military advancements, leaving a complex legacy that continues to shape the history of Scotland and the British Isles.
Deep dives
The Sexual Freedom of Scottish Kings
Scottish kings, such as James IV and James V, had a reputation for their sexual proclivities and the numerous mistresses they had. The kings were highly visible to their subjects and interacted with them, which allowed for encounters and relationships to develop. Marital status did not hinder these relationships, with mistresses being married or having other relationships. Illegitimate children born from these liaisons were acknowledged and taken care of by the kings. Sexual freedom extended to the queens as well, with records hinting at their own extramarital affairs. The Scottish monarchy had a different approach to sexual relationships compared to other European monarchies of the time. However, the kings' sexual escapades eventually led to their premature deaths due to diseases contracted during military campaigns.
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