Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History Hit
Join sex historian Dr 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? Join Kate as she bed-hops 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.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.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2026 • 44min
How Filthy Were the Egyptians?
In this engaging discussion, Egyptologist Campbell Price examines the ancient Egyptians' quest for beauty and hygiene. He reveals their elaborate grooming rituals using oils and unguents, and contrasts sanitized images with historical colonial narratives. Price explores the intriguing role of cleanliness in religious practices and even the complexity of male circumcision as an identity marker. With fascinating insights into daily hygiene, sacred rituals, and the societal perceptions of dirt, this conversation is a delightful dive into ancient history.
Jan 6, 2026 • 42min
How to Survive as a Medieval Single Woman
Eleanor Janega, a medievalist and author, dives into the complex world of single women in the medieval era. She reveals how societal pressures forced many into marriage, often leading to public shame for those who remained single. Janega discusses the limited opportunities for work and the stigma attached to self-sufficient women. Highlighting fascinating records, she shares the risks of being labeled as 'suspect,' while exploring unconventional living arrangements. Ultimately, she posits that despite the challenges, some single women found refuge in nunneries and communal support.
Jan 2, 2026 • 37min
How Filthy Were The Romans?
Join historian Alexander Meddings, an expert on ancient Rome, as he dives into the surprisingly complex world of Roman cleanliness. They explore the dual role of public baths as social centers and hygiene facilities. Discover the shocking use of urine for laundry and the infamous communal sponge-on-a-stick debate! Meddings also delves into Rome's sewage systems, the challenges of water supply, and even the bizarre oral hygiene habits. With a mix of bath culture and urban sanitation, it's a fascinating peek into the smelly side of history.
Dec 30, 2025 • 48min
How Sexy Was Shakespeare?
Cultural historian Anna Beer, author of The Life of the Author: William Shakespeare, dives into the tantalizing world of Shakespeare's sexuality and its reflections in his works. They explore his bawdy language, revealing sexual innuendos even in tragedies. Gender fluidity in plays sparks discussion on queerness, while intense male friendships hint at emotional depth beyond heterosexuality. Anna deciphers the ambiguous nature of the sonnets, highlighting connections to London’s sex industry, making Shakespeare a captivatingly enigmatic figure.
Dec 26, 2025 • 42min
How Hot Was Lord Byron?
Andrew Stauffer, Professor of English and head of the Byron Society of America, dives into the notorious reputation of Lord Byron, the Romantic poet known for being 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know.' He explores Byron's numerous lovers and whether he truly fits the 'fuckboy' label. Stauffer reveals how Byron's early sexual experiences shaped his identity, the turbulent drama of his marriage to Annabella, and his passionate relationships, including a tumultuous affair with Lady Caroline Lamb. The discussion highlights Byron's duality of public persona and private turmoil.
Dec 23, 2025 • 47min
How Has Porn Changed Through History?
In this engaging discussion, Professor Kathleen Luby, an 18th-century literature specialist, dives into the intriguing history of pornography. She reveals how printed porn emerged in the 1740s and gained a narrative depth. Luby highlights the presence of queer narratives and the role of porn as social protest. She contrasts the nuanced views of the 18th century with the misogynistic tropes of the 19th century, exploring themes of consent and the evolution of sexual privacy. With a focus on lost archives, Luby invites a deeper understanding of erotic literature's impact on society.
Dec 19, 2025 • 42min
Who Was The Virgin Mary?
In this fascinating discussion, historian Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch delves into the complex legacy of the Virgin Mary. He explores the significance of her virginity in Christianity and its ties to broader cultural narratives about sex. MacCulloch contrasts early biblical depictions of Mary with the later mythologized accounts, questioning the historical basis of her perpetual virginity. He also discusses the rise of Marian devotion and its implications for gender roles in early Christian society, offering a captivating look at the intersections of faith, sexuality, and history.
Dec 16, 2025 • 53min
The Truth About Sigmund Freud
Carolyn Laubender, Head of the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex, dives into the complex world of Sigmund Freud. She reveals Freud's unconventional marriage and his intriguing relationship with his sister-in-law, Minna. The discussion highlights Freud's views on female sexuality, including the controversial concept of penis envy, and critiques his outdated ideas. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of selectively embracing Freud's insights while acknowledging the feminist reinterpretations that challenge his legacy. Join for a captivating exploration of Freud's life and theories!
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
Inside the Royal Harems of the Ottoman Empire
Dr. Michael Talbot, a Professor specializing in Ottoman history and the imperial harem, reveals the hidden lives of women in the Royal Harem of the Ottoman Empire. He discusses the empire's overlooked significance and the Western misrepresentation of the harem. Listeners learn about the social dynamics of the harem, the influential roles of women like Hürrem Sultan, and the political power wielded by valide sultans. Talbot also touches on the complex nature of enslavement and the lives of ordinary women within this elite institution.
Dec 9, 2025 • 50min
The Mother of All Tudors: Child Bride to Kingmaker
Historian Lauren Johnson, author of 'Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker', delves into the life of Margaret Beaufort, the unsung matriarch of the Tudor dynasty. She shares how Margaret navigated marriage at just 12, leveraging her connections to secure power. The podcast reveals her strategic moves during the Wars of the Roses, her role in funding Henry's invasion, and her influence over her son Henry VII. Johnson also challenges the narrative of Margaret as merely manipulative, painting a picture of a savvy political player who shaped history.
