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

Nina Edwards, an author known for her exploration of underwear history, joins the discussion to unravel the fascinating tales behind our undergarments. She dives into the evolution from playful codpieces to practical bloomers, shedding light on their cultural significance. The talk highlights how underwear has shaped women's identities and societal roles, especially during the Victorian era. Edwards also considers modern trends and how they reflect our current attitudes towards modesty and self-expression.

Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, an expert on the Viking Age and author of *Embers of the Hands*, joins to discuss Viking beauty and grooming routines. Discover how Vikings were more than just raiders; they were trendsetters in hairstyles and personal hygiene. Delve into their intriguing cultural exchanges with the Anglo-Saxons and the social significance of beards and body modifications. Learn about the often-overlooked roles of Viking women who defied typical beauty norms. This conversation reshapes our understanding of Viking identity and their nuanced legacy.

Dr. Jeff Meek, a lecturer in economic and social history at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intriguing world of cottaging. He reveals how public toilets became secretive meeting spots for the LGBTQ+ community, packed with hidden signals and risks. The conversation explores the historical suppression of homosexuality in Britain and the complexities surrounding public sex and its legal challenges. Dr. Meek also sheds light on the intertwining of sex work and crime, further uncovering the intricate dynamics of privacy, intimacy, and societal norms.

In this engaging discussion, Jasmine Elmer, author of 'Goddess With A Thousand Faces,' reveals the powerful narratives of ancient goddesses. She dives into Artemis and her lessons on sexual autonomy, while Huitaca embodies rebellion and liberation. The complexities of Freya's character shed light on female empowerment, challenging historical perspectives on femininity. This conversation emphasizes the relevance of these mythological figures today, urging a re-examination of women's narratives in a modern context.

Rituals are a big part of this funny human experience, aren't they?Whether that's morning rituals like making your bed... or pagan rituals that involve stripping down to your birthday suit for certain ceremonies.The importance of nakedness is a big part of it, too, that can help separate you from this world and bring you closer to nature, and other realms.What other ways have naked rituals played a part in our history? And are they still practiced today?Joining Kate is the fantastic friend of the show, Ronald Hutton, author of The Pagan Rituals of the British Isles, to help us find out.This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXTYou can take part in our listener survey here.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

Helen King, an author specializing in the history of the female body, joins the discussion to unravel the perplexing ancient Greek concepts surrounding women's anatomy. They explore the comical depiction of the womb as an octopus and the absurd medical beliefs about female anatomy that persist today. Topics include the cultural obsession with virginity, misconceptions about the clitoris, and the outdated medical practices based on these historical beliefs. The conversation reveals how these ancient views continue to shape societal attitudes toward women's health and identity.

What was it really like inside a Victorian operating theatre? Did people really smoke cigars and eat oysters while they watched high risk surgery taking place? And what were the most common procedures?In today's episode Kate joins Dr. Monica in the Old Operating Theatre in London, to find out about the sights, smells and screams you would have heard there in the 19th century.Find out more about the museum here: https://oldoperatingtheatre.com/This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXTYou can take part in our listener survey here.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

When so much of history is written by men, Margaret Paston's letters offer us a rare insight into the life of a woman and the world around her in 15th century England.How did she cope with waves of plague wiping out her town? What did she do when the War of the Roses reached her home? And what family gossip did she write about?Joining Kate today for this insight into every day medieval life is Diane Watt, author of God’s Own Gentlewoman: The Life of Margaret Paston to take us back to this period of tumultuous English history.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you enjoy what we're doing, please take one minute to vote for us to win the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards! Voting closes on August 29th and we're in the top 10! Simply click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingEnjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXTYou can take part in our listener survey here.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

However you feel about the royal family, there's no denying, there was something about Princess Diana.From the clothes she wore to the causes she championed, she set the template for the modern royal, ruffling a lot of feathers in the process.Why did she speak to us so much? Was there any truth to rumours of the affairs both Charles and Diana had? And were the public in any way complicit in her downfall?Helping Kate separate Diana fact from fiction is author and royal historian, Dr. Tessa Dunlop. In the second part of the episode, Kate is speaking to Dominic Wong, curator of the photography exhibition Princess Diana: Accredited Access, to find out the backstory to some of the most iconic photos of Diana during her lifetime.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you enjoy what we're doing, please take one minute to vote for us to win the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards! Voting closes on August 29th and we're in the top 10! Simply click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingEnjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXTYou can take part in our listener survey here.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

When women's stories aren't being flat-out ignored from the history books, they can often be sidelined.Well not here! Joining Kate today is the comedian and author of Life Lessons from Historical Women, Eleanor Morton, to share some of her favourite stories of inspirational women through history and the lessons they have taught her.What would it have taken to make a daring escape from colonial Australia? And how did working class women in Victorian London create collective power?This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Voting is open for the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards, so if you enjoy what we're doing, we'd love it if you took a quick follow this link and click on Betwixt the Sheets: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingEnjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXT.You can take part in our listener survey here.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.