Mother Clap's Molly House: Gay Subculture in England, 1700-1830 - Softcover

Norton, Rictor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0854491880 ISBN 13: 9780854491889

Publisher: Gay Men's Press, 1992

Synopsis

This pioneering historical study is the first comprehensive chronicle of the English gay community at its 18th-century roots, sporting for the first time a distinctive subculture with its "molly houses", "sodomites' walks", "maiden names" and gay slang. Rictor Norton's research into trial records and contemporary documents establishes a vital cornerstone for the reconstruction of gay history.
Challenging in its demonstration that the molly subculture was primarily a working-class community of blacksmiths, milkmen, publicans and shopkeepers, Mother Clap's Molly House also records the exuberant lives of personalities such as Charles Hitchin the "thief-taker", the dramatists Samuel Foote and Isaac Bickerstaff, William Beckford of Fonthill, and Rev. John Church, prosecuted for his blessing of gay marriages. All these are set against a backdrop of persecution, blackmail and the pillory. And yes, "Mother Clap's" actually was the name of a prominent molly house!

About this title

Review

"To anyone interested in the development of sexual politics and social mores of the period, this book is an invaluable reference work . . . an absorbing read . . . not only an important sociological study, but it serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of this group." "New Times""

Synopsis

A comprehensive survey of the English gay community at its 18th century roots, sporting for the first time a distinctive subculture with its "molly houses", "sodomites' walks", "maiden names" and slang. Challenging in its demonstration that the molly subculture was primarily a working-class phenomenon, of blacksmiths, milkmen, publicans and shoemakers, this book also sketches the biographies of more well-known personalities such as the Rev John Church, who was prosecuted for his blessing of gay marriages.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gay Men's Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0854491880
• ISBN 13: 9780854491889
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288