Prostitutes were everywhere in the streets and neighbourhoods of medieval cities. In one and the same building, there might be a school upstairs, while downstairs prostitutes plied their nefarious trade. But how did such a situation come to pass? And how could such a world exist within the theoretical holy confines of medieval Christendom?
In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined Dr. Kate Lister, host of our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets, to find out more about medieval sex work and the complex economic and social realities that existed alongside the best intentions of a religious society.
This episode was edited by Ella Blaxill and produced by Rob Weinberg.
**WARNING: This episode contains explicit language and sexual content**
Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.
You can take part in our listener survey here.
A Guide to Medieval Churches
The Viking Age: What Discoveries Reveal
Women Crusaders
Genghis Khan to Tamerlane: Mongol Empire Reborn
Origins of the Normans
The Witan: England's First Parliament?
Medieval Italy
How the Plantagenets Built England
Rise of Wessex
Rise of Mercia
Life on Crusade
The Dynasty that Made Medieval France
Rise of Northumbria
What is a Pilgrimage?
King Henry II
The Power of Medieval Icons
Peasants' Revolt
Real Medieval Women with Philippa Gregory
Medieval Origins of Italian Food
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Ancients
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
The Rest Is History
Not Just the Tudors