Wanton Wenches and Wayward Wives - Peasants and Illicit Sex in Early Seventeenth Century England

Originally published in 1979. Combining both demographic and literary-based analyses, with analytical and anecdotal approaches to the subject, this book presents a rich source of social history. It sheds much light on prevailing village attitudes of the time while discussing cases in a particular area.

List of contents

Preface 1. Somerset and the Peasant World 2. Illicit Sex - Its Nature, Discovery and Extent 3. The Consenting Spinster 4. Pregnancy for the Single Woman 5. Attitudes to Adultery 6. Widows, Prostitutes and the ‘Unruly Woman’ 7. A Miscellany of Sexual Practice 8. The Consequences of Illicit Sex 9. Bastardy - Maintenance of the Child and Punishment Orders 10. Bastardy - The Social Pattern. Conclusion. Notes and Sources. Appendix I: Glossary - West Country Legal and Seventeenth Century Usage. Appendix II: Maps of Somerset

About the author

G. R. Quaife

Summary

Originally published in 1979. This highly detailed study of illicit sex amongst the peasantry of Somerset between 1601 and 1660 recreates the atmosphere of the period and questions a number of previously accepted hypotheses. Based on the depositions presented to the county and regional courts during this period, it sheds as much light on prevailing village attitudes as it does on the specific discussion matter. Outlining the precarious existence of the peasant and the supervision of sexual morality, the book looks at pre-marital sex, pregnancy, prostitution, masturbation, contraception, rape, homosexuality and incest, along with the prevailing punishments of the time.
This extensively researched work combines both demographic and literary-based analyses, with analytical and anecdotal approaches to the subject. It presents a rich source of social history, examining and questioning the role of Christian morality as an important factor in influencing the sexual habits of the peasant.

Product details

• Authors: G R Quaife, G. R. Quaife
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.01.2019
• EAN: 9780367174316
• ISBN: 978-0-367-17431-6
• No. of pages: 282
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: History of Sexuality
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Middle Ages; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Sociology, Somerset, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, Social & cultural history, CE period up to c 1500, Medieval History, Somerset, Bristol, 17th century, c 1600 to c 1699, Social and cultural history, Sociology: sexual relations, Gender studies, gender groups, Sex and sexuality, social aspects, History and Archaeology, C 1600 To C 1700