Harris’s List, or, a catalogue of London prostitutes from 1789

Prostitution was endemic in Georgian London, with thousands of prostitutes plying their trade from private lodgings, brothels, theatres, taverns and street corners. As such, there was a wide choice for Londoners who went in search of the pleasures of the flesh. However, with so many ladies of the night, how was the discerning man supposed to know …

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On being over-fond of animals

I was recently rather amused by a chapter in an 18th-century advice manual for women, entitled 'On being over-fond of animals'. This anti-pet diatribe comes from a 1756 publication called The Wife, which also features charmingly-named chapters such as 'The danger of living in the same house with any Relation of the Husband's', 'Sleeping in different Beds', and 'The …

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Castle Ward, a house divided by marriage

Castle Ward, in Northern Ireland, is a remarkable building, though it is not known for architectural brilliance, opulent interiors, great artworks, or beautiful gardens. Instead, what strikes you when you visit Castle Ward is the overwhelming sense that the architect must have been deranged. This is because one half of the stone mansion is done up entirely in Georgian classical …

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