The Medieval Bishop's Sex Workers

Outside Medieval London’s city walls, Southwark was a land without rules. It was the place where people went to partake in theatre, watch bear baiting and visit brothels. It was also under the control of the Bishop of Winchester.

Kate is joined Betwixt the Sheets by Matt Lewis from History Hit’s Gone Medieval to talk about the sex workers of Southwark, once known as the Winchester Geese. They explore the role of the church and state in controlling Medieval sex work, and how this is mirrored today.

*WARNING There are adult themes and discussion of sex, abuse and abortion in this episode*

Produced by Charlotte Long and Sophie Gee. Mixed by Seyi Adaobi.

Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society. A podcast by History Hit.