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
Aug 15, 2025 • 40min
How Wild Were The Last Days Of Rome?
Emma Southon, a historian renowned for her insights into Roman history and sexuality, joins the discussion on the myths of Rome's decadence. Was it really full of orgies as the empire crumbled? Southon debunks popular misconceptions, revealing the complex realities behind the decline. She highlights how plagues, climate change, and invading Goths played significant roles in Rome's downfall. The conversation also touches on the dual perceptions of conquerors like Alaric and the resilience of Rome itself in the wake of chaos.
Aug 12, 2025 • 38min
The Strangest Tudor & Stuart Aphrodisiacs
Join Dr. Jennifer Evans, a historian specializing in early modern history, as she dives into the bizarre world of Tudor and Stuart aphrodisiacs. Discover the ridiculous yet fascinating ingredients like sparrows and garlic that were believed to ignite passion. Evans humorously links mystical remedies and anatomical foods to romantic attraction, dissecting how societal influences shaped views on desire and fertility. Explore how these quirky beliefs reflect cultural norms and medical practices of the time, shining a light on the complexities of attraction in historical marriages.
Aug 8, 2025 • 48min
Did Henry VI Have A Sex Coach?
Join historian Lauren Johnson, an expert on Henry VI, as she unravels the complexities of a king battling royal expectations and personal struggles. Discover the intriguing dynamics of his controversial marriage to Margaret of Anjou and the challenges of intimacy in a turbulent time. Johnson sheds light on Henry's misunderstood masculinity, his mental health issues, and the societal pressures he faced, providing a fresh perspective on royal life that blurs the lines between power, governance, and emotion.
Aug 4, 2025 • 47min
Who Were The Vestal Virgins?
Peta Greenfield, co-author of ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’, dives into the fascinating world of the Vestal Virgins. Discover the rigorous lives of these priestesses, bound by chastity vows yet holding significant societal privileges. Peta reveals what happens when a Virgin breaks her pledge and discusses the complex interplay of power, purity, and peril they navigated. From their sacred duties maintaining the eternal flame to the uncertain future post-service, the conversation offers a compelling glimpse into ancient Roman culture.
11 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 47min
Royal Sex: Cleopatra
Join Egyptologist Sarah Parcak as she busts myths about Cleopatra's sex life and reputation. Delve into her complex relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, revealing the political savvy behind her romantic entanglements. Discover whether she really invented a bee-powered vibrator, and how her image as a seductress overshadows her intelligence and leadership. Parcak's insights challenge modern perceptions of powerful women, inviting listeners to reconsider Cleopatra's multifaceted legacy in history.
Jul 29, 2025 • 37min
How Incestuous Were The Habsburgs?
In this enlightening discussion, historian Estelle Paranque, a descendant of the Habsburgs and Associate Professor at Northeastern University London, takes us deep into the world of the infamous royal family. She reveals the shocking extent of their incestuous practices, exploring the genetic consequences faced by figures like Charles II of Spain. Paranque dives into how these marriages affected their power, health, and public perception, comparing their legacy to modern shows like 'Game of Thrones' and unpacking the scandals that came with their unusual family dynamics.
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!
