How Scandalous Were Masquerade Balls?
Faces covered, identities unknown - masquerade balls sound like a place of anonymity and, therefore, SCANDAL.But how true is this in the 18th Century? Could people sneak in unrecognised like they do i...
28 Apr 44min
The Brothels of Imperial Russia
In today's episode we're taking you back to the brothels of 19th century St. Petersburg.Sex work was legalised under the Emperor Nicholas I, but what was life like for sex workers? Why did they have t...
24 Apr 46min
Who was the first 'Lesbian'?
Was Sappho queer? Or was this Ancient Greek poet just really really good friends with women?Today on Betwixt the Sheets, Kate is joined by Katherine Horgan to find out how Sappho's poetry has lasted t...
21 Apr 41min
Sex Work in the American Revolution
Where the American War of Independence raged, the camp followers...followed.Among them were sex workers, for both the American and British troops. What was life like inside army camps where sex worker...
17 Apr 41min
The Depravity of the Marquis De Sade
Sadism - the derivation of pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering and humiliation on others - is named after this man. So what exactly did he do?Kate is joined by journalist and author Joel Warner t...
14 Apr 44min
Inside the Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge opened its doors in 1889, at the height of the Belle Epoch - 'the Beautiful Age'.Its famous windmill structure stood on the fringes of Paris, where intellectuals and artists mixed wit...
10 Apr 36min
The Truth About the Little Mermaid
What is a mermaid? Do sirens, selkies and Aquaman fit into this category? And how far back in history do they go?Kate is joined by Diane Purkiss to discuss the Little Mermaid, both the Disney and Hans...
7 Apr 42min
Inside the Brothels of New Orleans
Storyville was the red-light district in New Orleans, created in 1897.What was it like in this neighbourhood, and inside the brothels there? How was race and segregation a factor in Storyville? And wh...
3 Apr 50min
