King James I was a man whose sexuality was known by people in France, let alone (the newly formed) Britain of the early 17th century.
So it may come as no surprise that men, such as the handsome George Villiers, might use their sexuality to their advantage and gain status, money and power whilst romancing the king.
Helping Kate explore the sex and scandal of the Jacobean court is Anthony Delaney, historian and co-host of History Hit sister podcast After Dark.
As an added treat, Kate's also joined by Robbie Taylor Hunt, who was the intimacy coordinator on the hit TV show based on this story, Mary & George.
Robbie can be found on @RTaylorHunt (X/Twitter), @robbietaylorhunt (Instagram).
He's the co-creator of Pansexual Pregnant Piracy at Soho Theatre (March 26th - April 13th) which is a raucous comedy based on the true queer seafaring tale of 18th-Century pirate Anne Bonny.
Was the King and George's well-known relationship purely sexual and conceited? Or was it a full blown love affair? How were same sex relationships thought of in the 17th century?
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. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code BETWIXT sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/
You can take part in our listener survey here.
Elvis Presley's Sex Life
Ancient Greek Sexual Health: Wandering Wombs & Headless Beetles
Sex in the Aztec Empire
Fetishwear: A Kinky History
The History of Drag
Viking Royalty: Nicknames, Love Poems & Victorian Myths
History of Sh*t: Aztec Poo Goblins to Viking Turds
Scandalous Sex Lives of Royalty
The Dark History of Ballet
Abraham Lincoln's Sex Life
The Celebrity Sex Worker of Ancient Greece
Viking Sexuality
18th Century Graffiti: Sex, Murder & Rebellion
The Real Joan of Arc
Kink in the Renaissance
History of Sex Work in America
Who Really Was Boudica?
The Sex Life of William 'Braveheart' Wallace
The Real History of Sex Dolls
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Gone Medieval
The News Agents
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World