Queer histories from the Palace of Westminster

This 45-minute talk is a smorgasbord commemorating hidden queer histories from the Palace of Westminster. Focussing on two monarchs Edward II and Henry VIII, the talk explores themes of good kingship, the role and authority of the church in matters of a carnal nature, the impact of legislation on fleshly behaviour and sexuality as a political lever.

Delivered in two parts, the story of Edward II explains how rules governing a medieval king's behaviour differed to that acceptable from his subjects. A king's sexuality could be overlooked as long as they successfully ran the country but if their rule was weak then this could be held against them.

With the passing of the Buggery Act in 1533, the same themes are echoed. Previously, the church had been responsible for the moral and spiritual well-being of the nation but the English Reformation saw the role handed to the state. Henry VIII's Buggery Act was one piece of legislation that was largely used as a personal and political means of prosecuting and condemning supposed traitors to death rather than safeguarding the populace against what were then deemed to be 'unnatural practices'.

At the end of the talk, 15 minutes are available for you to ask questions.

This is an online event and will be hosted on Microsoft Teams Live Events which you can access through web browsers like Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Safari is not currently supported. You do not need a Microsoft account to join the event. We will send full details of how to join the event online following registration.