Armchair Historians Show Notes

Marcus James — Queer History of London / Molly Houses

Episode Summary

In this episode of Armchair Historians, Anne Marie Cannon talks with Marcus James, founder of Queer London Tours, about the hidden and deeply human history of queer London. Their conversation focuses especially on the world of Molly Houses in Georgian London—clandestine spaces where queer men found community, joy, ritual, performance, and belonging in a time of danger and repression.

Marcus shares how he came to this work, from acting and LGBTQ+ media to building a walking tour that brings London’s queer past to life through both research and personal storytelling. Along the way, Anne Marie and Marcus discuss Princess Seraphina, Mother Clap’s Molly House, Tyburn, Oscar Wilde, and why emotional truth matters just as much as dates and facts when we talk about history.

This is a conversation about hidden histories, resistance, identity, and the enduring truth that even in the darkest times, people still found ways to love, laugh, gather, and be themselves.

About Marcus James

Marcus James is the founder and guide behind Queer London Tours, a London walking tour experience dedicated to exploring the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history.

Find Marcus James

Website: https://queerlondontours.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queerlondontours/

Book a tour (OutSavvy): https://www.outsavvy.com/event/30385/queer-history-of-london-walking-tour

Places and History Mentioned

Old Bailey Proceedings Online: https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/

Tyburn Tree: https://www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/tyburn-tree

History of Tyburn Tree / Marble Arch: https://marble-arch.london/culture-blog/history-of-tyburn-tree/

Vauxhall Gardens — brief history: https://www.vauxhallgardens.com/vauxhall_gardens_briefhistory_page.html

Queer Britain: https://queerbritain.org.uk/

Queer Britain visitor info: https://queerbritain.org.uk/visit

Books Discussed

Mother Clap’s Molly House: The Gay Subculture in England 1700–1830 — Rictor Norton

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Claps-Molly-House-Subculture/dp/0854491880

Mother Clap’s Molly House — Mark Ravenhill

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Claps-Molly-House-Modern/dp/0413769305

The Betrayal of Thomas True — A.J. West

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Thomas-True-J-West/dp/1916788599

Queer Georgians — Anthony Delaney

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Queer-Georgians/dp/1529927684

Closing Line

If you are heading to London and want to experience the city through a richer, more human, and ofte

Support the show

Support Armchair Historians:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/armchairhistorians
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/belgiumrabbitproductions

Check out Anne Marie's historical fiction and download free short story: A.M. Cannon website: www.amcannon.com

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