The fabulous wealthy elite of Bridgerton look perfectly preened, their teeth, hair, make up, even their sex scenes are all filled with opulent glamour! But in reality a lot of people in Georgian society, including the wealthy, were dealing with a myriad of issues, from syphilis, teeth decay, secret sex societies and scandals to opium and gin addictions. All of this would have been rife and incredibly visible on the big city streets during the booming industrial revolution.

This two-part series is a deep dive into the 'real' 18th century. Sex historian Dr Kate Lister removes Bridgerton’s rose-tinted glasses, unlaces the corsets and unbuttons the breaches of the Georgians. Join Kate as she investigates how sex, drugs and the world of celebrity were a big thing long before the 20th century.

In the first episode Kate uncovers what went on betwixt the Georgian sheets: who's doing what, where, how and with whom. Along the way she’ll explore extraordinary guides to sex work in London and Edinburgh and unwrap the world of 18th century condoms, syphilis and even high profile and hidden sex clubs. All of this will help to unearth the real lives of the people stomping the streets, pubs and back alleys of these lavish Georgian cities. No stone is left unturned in the quest to reveal the real lives of Georgian society!

Part two - Drugs & Rock n Roll will be added on June 13th.

Want to know even more about this titillating time period? Check out Kate’s podcast on History Hit Betwixt the Sheets, where we have a special 4 part series all about the reality of the world of Bridgerton, exploring sex, drugs and rock n roll, Georgian style! And she doesn’t stop with the Georgians... she delves into Medieval, Tudor, ancient sexuality AND MUCH MUCH more. Listen to Betwixt the Sheets for free wherever you get your podcasts.
https://shows.acast.com/betwixt-the-sheets

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Fancy visiting some of these locations?
Covent Garden - https://www.coventgarden.london/
Ye Olde Mitre, London - https://www.yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk/
The Three Compasses, London - https://www.3compasses.com/
Newhailes House, Edinburgh - https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes
Royal Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh - https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/
The Hellfire Caves at the West Wycombe Estate - www.hellfirecaves.co.uk