Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England by Carol McGrath (Pen & Sword)

The Tudor period marks the transition from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Era and the book emphasizes the years between 1485 and 1558 (the accession of Queen Elizabeth I to the throne). 

Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England explores how the Tudors viewed birth control, marriage rituals, birth rituals; considers views on sex existing within and outside the marriage bed; how the Tudors viewed sexual diversity; life in the brothels; sexual diseases; how they dressed and danced, Renaissance literature and art; how ordinary people conducted sexual relations; how and where they lived; and scandals at court.

Sex and sexuality were dictated by the influence of the Church. The Church has always played a major role in matters of sex. The Church owned a duality of attitude. The temptress Eve was balanced by the importance of the Virgin. Women were seen as inferior versions of men and very susceptible to the devil and dark forces. During the sixteenth century throughout Europe waves of persecution of homosexuals coincided with the persecution of witches. Marriage was the only way to control a woman’s desires. 

Even though great changes - new Renaissance ideas and Reformation, the Church tried hard to control people’s sexual lives, but was frequently ignored because humans usually enjoy sex and fall in love despite Church views and laws.

This era also heralded a cultural advance. Many daughters of more prominent Tudors were highly educated.

Sex was not used only to procreate, there were adultery, birth control, "dress to impress" attitude, concern to hygiene and much more. There was also not much of a privacy or secrets.

The book is extremely interesting, very well written, researched, concise, systematic and interdisciplinary. The reader is aware of trends, beliefs and morality of the period. Traditions and moral attitudes inevitably evolve, but sex and sexuality remain part of what it is to be human.

Delightful and fascinating peep into Tudor's bedrooms.

5/5