Episode
The Secret Sex Lives of our Ancestors
- Podcast
- Irish History Podcast
- Published
- Dec 17, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2706
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Summary
This episode includes discussion of sex and is not suitable for younger listeners. Sex has always been a key part of Irish life. Yet given its intimate and private nature it often leaves little trace in the historical record. One rare exception comes from the Presbyterian Kirk Session, a church court that kept detailed accounts of behaviour it considered sinful. These records open a unique window into how people in eighteenth century Ireland navigated desire, shame, romance and rule breaking. In this episode I am joined by Dr Leanne Calvert whose book Pious and Promiscuous: Life, Love and Family in Presbyterian Ulster uncovers the hidden sex lives of ordinary men and women in the 18th century. The conversation explores beliefs about sex, the reality of everyday relationships, courtship, affairs, pregnancy and the ways communities tried to control intimacy. Get your copy of Leanne's book Pious and Promiscuous: Life, Love and Family in Presbyterian Ulster here https://shop.ria.ie/products/pious Leanne's Blog: https://promiscuouspresbyterian.wordpress.com/ Work profile: https://pure.ul.ie/en/persons/leanne-calvert/ Sound by Kate Dunlea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.