Podcast Summary: "William III & the Persecution of Sodomites"

Not Just the Tudors
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Jack Beasley, PhD Researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction: William III and the Shadow of Sodomy

In this compelling episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the tumultuous reign of William III of England, exploring the intense scrutiny and persecution he faced concerning allegations of sodomy. Joined by Jack Beasley, a third-year PhD researcher, the discussion sheds light on how William III's personal life became a focal point of political and social tension in late 17th-century Britain.

The Historical Context of Sodomy

Jack Beasley begins by unpacking the term "sodomy" as understood in the 17th century, distinguishing it from modern concepts of sexual orientation. He explains:

"Sodomy was actually a theological category which Damien coined to group together and really condemn a series of sexual acts which could be traced back to the sinful inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah and their divine destruction."
[09:33]

Beasley emphasizes that sodomy encompassed a range of non-procreative sexual activities and was not exclusively associated with same-sex relations. This broad categorization illustrates the early modern society's conflation of various sexual behaviors under a singular moral condemnation.

William III's Personal Life and Marriage

The discussion transitions to William III's marriage to Princess Mary and the personal challenges they faced, particularly their childlessness. Beasley notes:

"Mary seems totally absolved of responsibility in all of the satires that discuss their childlessness. And I think that is very significant in terms of putting the blame on William."
[22:27]

This attribution of blame solely to William was a strategic move in contemporary satires, aiming to tarnish his reputation by suggesting his sexual preferences impeded his ability to produce an heir, thereby questioning his fitness to rule.

Satire as a Tool of Political Persecution

A significant portion of the episode examines how satire was employed to disseminate rumors of William III's sodomy, linking his personal life to political dissent. Beasley highlights:

"English satire had actually changed quite a lot during this period... they were more of a socially diverse group who were writing for print for a wider and more disparate readership. So that kind of enabled their names not to be attached to what they were writing."
[17:08]

This evolution in satire allowed for broader and more aggressive attacks on the monarch without direct repercussions for the authors, fueling public suspicion and animosity towards William III.

The Rise of Public Persecution: Society for the Reformation of Manners

The formation of the Society for the Reformation of Manners in 1691 marked a pivotal shift in public attitudes toward sodomy. Beasley explains:

"They arranged the first mass arrests of men in English history, men who committed sodomy through agent provocateurs and through raids on male brothels which were known as molly houses."
[28:28]

These actions by the society not only intensified the persecution of sodomites but also brought the previously unmentionable act into the public consciousness, linking it directly to William III's court and further isolating the king from his subjects.

Legacy and Impact on Historical Perceptions of Sexuality

In concluding their discussion, Beasley reflects on how these events challenge the established narratives of sexual identity in history. He states:

"The exposure of the sodomy subculture of London reveals that there were communitarian elements, there were ideas that these men were viewed as being completely different to, for want of a better word, you know, normal men."
[35:40]

This revelation suggests that the late 17th century was a critical period in the evolution of societal views on sexuality, laying the groundwork for later understandings of sexual minorities.

Conclusion: A Watershed Moment in Sexual History

Professor Lipscomb and Jack Beasley illuminate how William III's reign was not merely a political epoch but also a significant chapter in the history of sexuality and persecution. The intertwining of personal scandal with political maneuvering during this period underscores the complex ways in which private lives can influence and be influenced by public opinion and policy.

Notable Quotes:

• "Sodomy was actually a theological category which Damien coined to group together and really condemn a series of sexual acts..."
  — Jack Beasley [09:33]

• "Mary seems totally absolved of responsibility in all of the satires that discuss their childlessness. And I think that is very significant..."
  — Jack Beasley [22:27]

• "English satire had actually changed quite a lot during this period... they were more of a socially diverse group..."
  — Jack Beasley [17:08]

• "They arranged the first mass arrests of men in English history, men who committed sodomy..."
  — Jack Beasley [28:28]

• "The exposure of the sodomy subculture of London reveals that there were communitarian elements..."
  — Jack Beasley [35:40]

This episode provides an insightful exploration into how William III's personal life was weaponized against him, influencing both his reign and the broader societal attitudes towards sexuality. For those interested in the intersections of personal identity, political power, and societal norms, this discussion offers a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional historical narratives.