Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Episode Summary: "Medieval Lesbians"

Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Tess Wingard, Historian

1. Introduction to Medieval Lesbianism

In the episode titled "Medieval Lesbians," host Kate Lister delves into the elusive history of lesbian relationships during the medieval period. Opening with the striking memorial brass of Elizabeth Etchingham and Agnes Oxenbridge in a modest church in Sussex, England, Lister sets the stage for exploring how same-sex female relationships might have existed and been perceived in a time dominated by strict societal norms and limited historical records.

Kate Lister [00:28]: "Here in the modest, unassuming medieval church in the south of England is a brass memorial etching... Could this be a glimpse into medieval lesbian life?"

2. The Challenge of Historical Evidence

Lister acknowledges the significant challenges historians face when researching lesbian history before the 20th century, primarily due to societal oppression, homophobia, and the scarcity of records explicitly detailing same-sex female relationships. To navigate these challenges, she introduces guest historian Tess Wingard, whose work focuses on uncovering these hidden narratives.

3. Broadening the Criteria for Identification

Wingard emphasizes the importance of expanding the criteria historians use to identify lesbian relationships, moving beyond the narrow search for explicit sexual acts. Drawing inspiration from Judith Bennett's concept of the "lesbian-like," Wingard advocates for examining a wider range of evidence, such as expressions of emotional intimacy and social bonds that exceed platonic friendships.

Tess Wingard [10:22]: "We need to think more broadly about what kinds of medieval lives and what kinds of evidence might demonstrate the kind of presence of lesbians in the historical record."

4. The Etchingham-Oxenbridge Memorial Plaque

A focal point of the discussion is the memorial brass of Elizabeth Etchingham and Agnes Oxenbridge. Wingard explains that the depiction of these two unmarried women gazing into each other's eyes—a design typically reserved for married heterosexual couples—suggests a deeper emotional and possibly romantic connection.

Tess Wingard [11:23]: "They're shown with long, uncovered hair, which is a sign that they are both maidens... this design... is almost exclusively used for married straight couples in this period."

5. Medieval Understandings of Sexuality

Lister and Wingard explore how medieval society conceptualized sexuality without the modern labels of "lesbian" or "gay." The term "sodomite" was commonly used, albeit as a broad and often derogatory label rather than a self-identifier. This categorization primarily targeted sexual acts deemed non-reproductive, such as same-sex activities.

Tess Wingard [15:05]: "Sodomy is any kind of sexual act that can't potentially lead to reproduction and pregnancy... it's different from our modern categories."

6. Legal Prosecutions and Sodomy Laws

A significant portion of the episode examines legal cases where women were prosecuted for sodomy, shedding light on societal attitudes and legal repercussions of same-sex female relationships.

a. Case of Bertolina (Gursia)

Wingard recounts the case of Bertolina, nicknamed Gursia, from Bologna in 1295. Accused of sodomy, love magic, and fortune-telling, Gursia openly confessed her romantic interest in another woman and demonstrated the use of a "virilia," likely a dildo, to engage in sexual acts.

Tess Wingard [25:23]: "Gursia is absolutely fearless... she just straight up says, you know, I fancy this woman... and then shows the witness something... probably a dildo."

Despite her brazen confession, Gursia evades prosecution by fleeing the city, highlighting both her courage and the complexities of enforcing sodomy laws.

b. Case of Katharina Hetzeldorfer

Another poignant case discussed is that of Katharina Hetzeldorfer from Speer, Germany, in 1477. Hetzeldorfer was suspected of gender transgression, wearing a "virilia" not just for sexual purposes but as a means to pass as male. This ultimately led to her conviction and execution by drowning—a punishment uniquely harsh and gendered.

Tess Wingard [36:32]: "Hetzeldorfer is clearly wearing this thing on a day-to-day basis... it's a kind of medieval she-wee... helping them to pass as male."

7. Medieval Lesbian Subculture and Convents

Lister inquires about the possibility of an organized lesbian subculture during the medieval era. Wingard suggests that while there wasn't a conscious subculture akin to later periods, convents and nunneries may have served as informal spaces where women could form close, possibly romantic, relationships. She cites historical records and letters, such as those of Hildegard von Bingen, which exhibit deep emotional bonds that could hint at romantic connections.

Tess Wingard [42:03]: "We don't have a very organized or self-conscious lesbian subculture... but convents and nunneries might have been places where medieval lesbians could find each other."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on the resilience and presence of lesbian relationships throughout history, despite societal constraints and the paucity of records. Wingard's research underscores the importance of re-examining historical narratives to uncover the nuanced realities of same-sex female relationships in medieval times.

Tess Wingard [45:32]: "It's so sweet... It's got resonance for lesbians today just as much as in the 12th century."

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Lister [07:10]: "Ooh, is that where the penitentials come from? They're my favourite, the medieval indexes of sin that the early church would use to look up certain sins to see what the punishment is."

• Tess Wingard [27:26]: "It's part of Hetzeldorfer's own confession... they're using this to pee through. So it's a kind of like a medieval she-wee."

• Kate Lister [45:37]: "That's not just maids. Oh, that's lovely. Oh, I love that."

Further Exploration:

Listeners intrigued by medieval lesbian history are encouraged to explore related episodes, such as those on Tudor lesbians, the origins of sexting, and even "dinosaur sex," offering a wide array of sexual history topics.

Connect with Tess Wingard:

For more insights into Tess Wingard's research on medieval sexuality, visit tesswingard.wordpress.com.

This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith, with Charlotte Long as the senior producer. Music provided by Epidemic Sound.