From the acclaimed author of the Rose Trilogy, “a terrific, informative read for the armchair historian. A fascinating read, packed with juicy details” (Elizabeth Chadwick, New York Times–bestselling author).

The Tudor period has long gripped our imaginations. Because we have consumed so many costume dramas on TV and film, read so many histories, factual or romanticized, we think we know how this society operated. We know they “did” romance but how did they do sex?

In this affectionate, informative, and fascinating look at sex and sexuality in Tudor times, author Carol McGrath peeks beneath the bed sheets of late fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century England to offer a genuine understanding of the romantic and sexual habits of our Tudor ancestors.

Find out the truth about “swiving,” “bawds,” “shaking the sheets” and “the deed of darkness.” Discover the infamous indiscretions and scandals, feast day rituals, the Southward Stews, and even city streets whose names indicated their use for sexual pleasure. Explore Tudor fashion: the codpiece, slashed hose, and doublets, women’s layered dressing with part lets, over gowns, and stomachers laced tightly in place. What was the Church view on morality, witchcraft, and the female body? On which days could married couples indulge in sex and why? How were same sex relationships perceived? How common was adultery? How did they deal with contraception and how did Tudors attempt to cure venereal disease? And how did people bend and ignore all these rules?

• Key Themes:
  • Sexual Practices and Culture: Delves into romantic and sexual behaviors of the time, exploring terms like “swiving,” “bawds,” “shaking the sheets,” and the “deed of darkness”.
  • Scandals and Indiscretions: Highlights infamous indiscretions, sexual scandals, and cultural practices, such as the Southwark Stews (medieval brothels) and city streets named for their sexual use.
  • Tudor Fashion and Sexuality: Explores how clothing (like the codpiece, slashed hose, and women’s tightly laced gowns) was linked to sexual identity and attraction.
  • Church and Morality: Investigates the Church’s views on morality, witchcraft, and the female body, including how religion shaped sexual behavior.
  • Sexual Rules and Adultery: Discusses the rules governing sexual activity, including which days couples could engage in sex and how adultery and same-sex relationships were viewed.
  • Contraception and Disease: Looks at how contraception was approached and how the Tudors attempted to treat venereal diseases.
  • Breaking the Rules: Explores how people bent or ignored social and religious rules surrounding sex.