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

The 16th century was a dangerous time to be talking about magic and hidden forces, so how did John Dee end up being invited into Elizabeth I's court?He was an astronomer, occultist and alchemist who dedicated his life to understanding how celestial activity influenced life on earth.What happened when he thought angels told him to swap wives with another mystic? How did his influence impact the Tudor court? And why was he never accused of witchcraft?Joining Kate today is Rachel Morris, author of The Years of the Wizard: The Strange History and Home Life of Renaissance Magicians.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollie Marquess, a historian at Fort Hays State University, explores the lives of sex workers in the Wild West. She delves into the motivations that brought women to frontier towns, including economic necessity and independence. Hollie also shares insights from her research, revealing the harsh living conditions and health risks these women faced. The conversation highlights their complex roles in society, legal battles, and the community's perception, while addressing the tragic realities of substance abuse and violence in their lives.

Philippa Gregory, a celebrated historian and author, dives deep into the life of Jane Boleyn, sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn, and her perilous existence in the Tudor court. They explore Jane's rise to prominence, role as a potential spy for Thomas Cromwell, and her complex involvement in royal scandals, including her testimony in the Anne of Cleves divorce. Philippa also discusses Jane's tragic end, her unlikely legacy, and reflects on the harsh realities of power and survival during a tyrannical reign.

Elizabeth Lublin, an Associate Professor of Japanese history, delves into the fascinating world of sex work in Edo Japan. She discusses the rise of licensed brothels and the social dynamics of male sex workers and geishas. Elizabeth reveals the challenges faced by sex workers, including indenture and poverty, and highlights the strict hierarchies within the profession. The conversation also explores the impact of Western influence and moral shifts on prostitution, as well as the grim realities beneath the romanticized imagery of the floating world.

Historian Estelle Paranque joins the discussion to unravel the scandalous love triangle of 16th-century France, featuring King Henry II, his wife Catherine de' Medici, and his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Estelle shares insights on Diane's remarkable influence and controversial power dynamics within the royal court. They explore the nature of Diane and Henry's relationship, rumors of intimacy with Catherine, and the fall from grace following Henry's death. Estelle also highlights Catherine's clever political maneuvers and legacy—challenging historical misconceptions along the way.

Join maritime historian Siân Rees, author of The Floating Brothel, as she uncovers the intriguing tale of the Lady Juliana, a ship that transported over 200 women convicts to Australia in the late 18th century. Discover the varied crimes that led to their transportation, the conditions aboard the ship, and the complex relationships that formed between the crew and convicts. Siân sheds light on life in the nascent colony, the challenges these women faced, and the impact they had on Australia’s survival. A captivating journey into an often-overlooked chapter of history!

Frances Welch, historian and author known for her expertise on the Romanovs, dives into the life of Grigory Rasputin, the notorious mystic who wormed his way into Russian royalty. They explore Rasputin’s rise from peasant to confidant of the Tsar, the mystique of his alleged healing powers, and the wild rumors of his sexual exploits, including the outlandish claim of a 13-inch penis. The podcast probes into his influence over the Romanovs, the fanatical devotion he inspired, and the dark circumstances surrounding his dramatic assassination.

Caroline Young, an author and researcher specializing in pop culture's portrayal of single women, delves into the stigmas surrounding them. She shares how characters like Miss Havisham and plots from films such as Fatal Attraction shape societal perceptions of single women as 'unstable' or 'tragic.' Caroline explores historical roots of these stereotypes and discusses the current cultural backlash against single women. She advocates for embracing single life and rejecting societal pressure, offering practical advice for those navigating these stereotypes.

Catherine Fletcher, a historian of the Renaissance and author of 'The Beauty and the Terror', dives into the scandalous life of Pope Alexander VI, a notorious figure of the Borgia family. They explore the outrageous antics of Renaissance Rome, including wild parties and shocking allegations of incest. Discover how Alexander's dual role influenced papal governance and why his licentious reputation has endured through history. The discussion unveils the contrast between papal celibacy and clandestine behaviors, painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous era.

In a revealing discussion, historian Alex Meddings explores Emperor Nero's outrageous life. He dives into Nero's notorious reputation as a historical 'f*ckboy,' analyzing his manipulative actions and dark family drama, including the shocking assassination of his mother, Agrippina. The conversation also tackles themes of masculinity reflected in Nero's controversial marriages and highlights the scandalous legacy he left behind, including his artistic aspirations amid political chaos, ultimately probing whether he truly ranks as history's worst.