Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History Hit
Join sex historian Kate Lister on Betwixt the Sheets as she gets intimate with the stories that would make your history teacher blush.What were the Victorians really like behind closed (bedroom) doors? How did the Black Death favour women in medieval England? And what was Caesar like in the sack? She'll be bed-hopping around different time periods; from ancient civilisations, to the middle ages, to renaissance and early modern...right up to now.You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll ask yourself how much has actually changed.So join Kate Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society - a podcast from History Hit.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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 25, 2025 • 48min
Royal Sex: Elizabeth I
Join Professor Anna Whitelock, a specialist in monarchy history, as she unpacks the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth I. Was she truly a virgin or just a master of political maneuvering? The conversation dives into Elizabeth's turbulent youth, her intriguing relationship with Robert Dudley, and the pressures of being an unmarried queen. Whitelock also reveals how Elizabeth's sexuality influenced her rule and public persona, alongside the romantic myths that still surround her legacy today.
Jul 22, 2025 • 47min
Victorian Sex Work Scandal: The Prince And The Telegraph Boys
Join John Scott, Head of the School of Justice at Queensland University of Technology and an expert on male sex work, as he unravels the Cleveland Street scandal of 1889. This shocking incident revealed a web of male sex workers hidden within London's elite, igniting public outrage and media frenzy. John dives into the complexities of societal attitudes towards male versus female sex work, exposing issues of class and power dynamics. Discover how this scandal continues to shape perceptions of sex work and the inequalities still present today.
Jul 18, 2025 • 47min
Royal Sex: Catherine the Great
Virginia Rounding, an expert on Catherine the Great and author of 'Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power', dives into the scandalous life of one of history's most fascinating rulers. The conversation explores the enduring myths about her death, her strategic romantic liaisons, and the double standards women faced in her time. Rounding reveals how Catherine navigated political intrigues while forming powerful alliances, ultimately reshaping Russian society and leaving a legacy that still intrigues today.
6 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 46min
Sex Lives of the Roman Legion
Join Rome-based historian Alex Meddings as he uncovers the lively dynamics of Roman army life, including the secrets of legionnaires' romantic escapades during evening encampments. Explore the appeal of military careers, the complexities of soldier-civilian life, and the unexpected roles women played in military society. Delve into the intricate interplay of sexuality and masculinity that shaped the Roman army, revealing both its rigorous codes and the nuanced relationships among soldiers. It's a fascinating look at history beyond the battlefield!
Jul 11, 2025 • 54min
Royal Sex: Marie Antoinette
Joining the discussion is Catriona Seth, a Professor of French Literature renowned for her expertise in French history and culture. She unravels the intriguing complexities of Marie Antoinette's life, revealing the misconceptions surrounding her lavish lifestyle and infamous quote about cake. Explore her tumultuous marriage to Louis XVI, marked by intimacy struggles and public scrutiny. Delve into the scandalous rumors that plagued her reign, including her close, mysterious bond with Count Axel von Fersen, and reflect on her tragic final days amid revolution.
Jul 8, 2025 • 34min
The Power of Medieval Gossip
In this engaging conversation, Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast, dives into the intriguing world of medieval gossip. She reveals how women used gossip as a powerful social tool while discussing its negative perceptions over time. Eleanor humorously contrasts the different roles men and women played in gossip dynamics, highlighting the unique challenges women faced. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of gossip and its impact on friendships and societal change during the medieval period.
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 48min
Royal Sex: Queen Victoria
Join royal historian Kate Williams and journalist Robert Hardman as they delve into Queen Victoria's surprisingly passionate love life. Explore how her tumultuous relationship with Prince Albert shaped her motherhood experiences, revealing the struggles of pain and societal expectations. Discover the Victorian sexual paradoxes, where prudishness clashed with private desires, and learn how bicycles symbolized women's liberation. They also discuss sexual pleasure and marital norms, shedding light on the queen’s candid insights found in her diaries.
7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
Why Were Ancient Dicks So Small?
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Caroline Vout, an expert in classical art from the University of Cambridge, delves into why ancient Greek sculptures feature surprisingly small penises. She explores how these artistic choices reflect societal norms and views on masculinity in the ancient world. Vout highlights the significance of nudity in Greek culture and the implications for contemporary body image. Her insights reveal how ideals of masculinity from centuries ago continue to shape our understanding of gender and desire today.
Jun 27, 2025 • 52min
Sex Work in Victorian London
Join historian Julia Laite, a professor at Birkbeck University and author of "Common Prostitutes and Ordinary Citizens," as she dives into the world of Victorian sex workers. Discover the struggles and resilience of women navigating societal stigma and harsh laws. Laite reveals the military’s controversial ties to prostitution while critiquing gender inequality and the historical fight for sex workers' rights. Through engaging anecdotes and humor, she dismantles misconceptions about sex work, challenging listeners to rethink historical narratives and their modern implications.
7 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 54min
The History of the C-section
In this chat, Hannah Marsh, author of 'Thread, A Cesarean Story of Myth, Magic, and Medicine', unfolds the bloody history of C-sections. She traces their evolution from risky 16th-century procedures to safer modern practices, spotlighting the resilience of women like Mrs. Newfer, who thrived post-surgery. The conversation digs into societal pressures, the myths surrounding childbirth, and the historical shift from midwifery to male-dominated obstetrics, revealing a legacy intertwined with issues of race and gender.
