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It was Rudyard Kipling who first coined the phrase ‘the world’s oldest profession’ in his short story, On the City Wall (1898). The tale opens with the immortal line “Lalun is a member of the most ancient profession in the world”. Since then, the expression has fallen into common parlance as historical truth.
The Life of a 17th Century Prostitute might have been a wretched streetwalker, marred by the tolls of venereal disease, alcoholism, and physical abuse. The harsh reality of their lives was often overshadowed by societal judgments and the stigmatization of their profession. These women faced immense challenges, not just in terms of their health but also in terms of their social standing and personal safety. The driving force behind most women selling their bodies was poverty, especially if the woman was unmarried, childless, and unable to work. Government officials at the time considered her responsible for her own well-being and unwilling to help; therefore, prostitution became the only option for lower-class women.
These women often lived on the fringes of society, marginalized and vulnerable. They lacked support systems and faced discrimination on multiple fronts. The cycle of poverty and exploitation was difficult to break, trapping many women in a life of hardship and suffering. The historical context sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women engaged in prostitution during that era, highlighting the complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors that influenced their choices and circumstances.
Historical investigations into early modern prostitution reveal a complex and grim reality that these women faced. The church and court records shed light on the harsh conditions they endured while trying to make a living. Streetwalkers, driven by the need to service as many men as possible for payment, operated in a dangerous and exploitative environment. Some of these women resorted to working at fairs, while others waited at docks for sailors, all in pursuit of earning money through their participation in sexual acts.
At the lower end of the market, streetwalkers often found themselves renting cheap rooms in slum lodging houses. These accommodations offered little comfort, with filthy living conditions and cramped, damp rooms being the norm. Landlords took advantage of these vulnerable women, demanding a large percentage of their earnings and subjecting them to mistreatment. In some cases, lodging houses doubled as taverns, with owners profiting from both rent and a share of the prostitutes' earnings.
Another group, known as penny rent streetwalkers, opted to rent rooms for short periods, allowing them to avoid living and working in the same place. This arrangement was not only more affordable but also provided a sense of separation from their work environment. However, there were even more marginalized women who conducted their business in the shadows of back alleys, streets, and city parks, facing heightened risks and vulnerabilities.
Streetwalkers' slang was not just a means of communication but a way of solidifying their bond as members of the sisterhood navigating the harsh streets. Their vocabulary, a unique blend of criminal and vulgar slang, set them apart and connected them to the wider criminal society. In their world, terms like diving, foyling, and lifting were not just words but actions that defined their daily existence, often risking their lives for a meager living.
Customers were not just clients but were given nicknames like rumpers and dicks, reflecting the dehumanizing nature of their trade. The phrase 'Six-penny whoredom' may have been commonly used, but the reality was much harsher, with prices often set at half-a-crown, pushing these women to constantly negotiate their worth in a brutal marketplace.
As time passed and age caught up with them, these women faced the harsh truth that their days in the trade were numbered. The desperation to survive led some to offer fleeting moments of intimacy in dark alleys for a few pennies, a stark contrast to the glamour often associated with their profession. Their lives were marked by fear, suffering, and a constant struggle for survival in a world that showed little mercy.
Pregnancy was an occupational hazard for many prostitutes, posing a significant risk to their livelihood and well-being. To avoid the potential consequences of pregnancy, these women turned to a variety of remedies that often involved the use of herbs and powders. These remedies, although accessible through apothecaries, were not without risks and were primarily aimed at inducing miscarriage.
Furthermore, the nature of their work exposed prostitutes to frequent sexual activity, making them more susceptible to contracting sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis. The treatment for these diseases was often brutal and involved the use of mercury, either orally or topically. The application of mercury ointment to the genitals was not only painful but also carried severe side effects that sometimes outweighed the symptoms of the diseases themselves.
Amidst these challenges, many prostitutes resorted to unconventional methods in an attempt to protect themselves. Some believed that frequent urination could prevent not only STIs but also unwanted pregnancies, showcasing the desperate measures they were willing to take to safeguard their health in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Early modern women who engaged in prostitution faced severe challenges within their society. These women were not only categorized but also deeply condemned for their profession, leading to a life filled with hardships and constant struggles. Many of these women found themselves teetering on the brink of destitution, with limited opportunities for a better life. While some fortunate individuals managed to leverage their involvement in prostitution as a stepping stone towards more lucrative endeavors, like establishing themselves as respected mistresses of brothels, the majority of women exited the profession in a state of greater despair and desperation than when they first entered. The stigma attached to their past often followed them, making it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty and societal judgment. These women grappled with not only the physical toll of their work but also the emotional and psychological burden of being marginalized and ostracized by their community. Their stories shed light on the harsh realities faced by women in early modern society, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding towards those who have been pushed to the fringes of society.
Paul Rushworth-Brown is the author of three novels:
Skulduggery
The bleak Pennine moors of Yorkshire; a beautiful, harsh place, close to the sky, rugged and rough, no boundaries except the horizon, which in places, went on forever. Green pastures and wayward hills, the colours of ochre, brown and pink in the Spring. Green squares divided the land on one side of the lane, and on the other; sheep with thick wool and dark snouts dotted the hills and dales. The story, set on the Moors of West Yorkshire, follows wee Thomas and his family shortly after losing his father to consumption. Times were tough in 1603 and there were shenanigans and skulduggery committed by locals and outsiders alike. Queen Bess has died, and King James sits on the throne of England and Scotland. Thomas Rushworth is now the man of the house being the older of two boys. He is set to wed Agnes in an arranged marriage, but a true love story develops between them. As the winds swept across the moors, carrying tales of old and whispers of the future, Thomas found solace in the vastness of the landscape that mirrored the uncertainties of his own life. The moors, with their ever-changing hues and undulating terrain, seemed to echo the tumultuous emotions that churned within him. Amidst the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire moors, a sense of foreboding lingered, a reminder of the hardships and challenges that awaited Thomas and his family. The loss of his father weighed heavily on his young shoulders, thrusting him into a role he felt ill-prepared for. Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of his blossoming relationship with Agnes. Their love, born out of duty but nurtured by genuine affection, defied the constraints of their arranged marriage. As they navigated the complexities of their feelings against the backdrop of a changing world, Thomas and Agnes found strength in each other, forging a bond that transcended societal expectations. Against the backdrop of political intrigue and local machinations, Thomas and Agnes's love story unfolded, a beacon of light in the midst of darkness. The moors, with their wild beauty and unforgiving terrain, bore witness to their struggles and triumphs, a silent witness to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
"A glorious read of a period well versed and presented with accuracy and authentic telling by an author who is as much engrossed in his prose as the reader he shares with...masterful and thoroughly enjoyable...5 stars." Adrian, Indibook reviewer.
''Skulduggery, a different treat for lovers of historical fiction, an exciting and mysterious romp through the moors of 17th century Yorkshire, more specifically Haworth and Keighley. The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones. Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel."... Jen Summers
Red Winter Journey
Red Winter Journey invites you to embark on a captivating and immersive historical adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous English Civil War in 1642, this tale follows the unexpected and gripping story of a humble peasant family who find themselves entangled in the chaos and upheaval of the era. As you delve into the narrative, you will be transported back in time to a period marked by political intrigue, societal upheaval, and the clash of ideologies. The vividly depicted historical setting provides a rich tapestry for the characters to navigate, each facing their own challenges and dilemmas as they are swept up in the unfolding events of the war. The story unfolds with twists and turns that will keep you guessing, as the characters grapple with personal struggles, forge unlikely alliances, and confront the harsh realities of war. Against this backdrop of conflict and turmoil, themes of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of love emerge, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. With its blend of history, adventure, and intrigue, Red Winter Journey offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of ordinary individuals caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Prepare to be swept away on a journey that will challenge your perceptions, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Reviewed in Australia on 17 October 2022*****Paul Rushworth-Brown’s Red Winter Journey is the story of a family surviving in the time of the English Civil War; however, the story goes much deeper than that and focuses on the love of a father for his son and his plight to rescue him. I usually do not like tales of war, but Rushworth-Brown has captured the essence of humanity with love, romance, fear and mystery in this engaging family saga. The twists and turns really threw me and, the ending? Mmmmm interesting.
Dream of Courage-
The much-anticipated story of the Rushworth family and their journey out of poverty unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in English history. Following the execution of King Charles I, England undergoes a significant transformation as it transitions into a Republic led by the formidable Oliver Cromwell. Amidst this political upheaval, a gripping tale of survival and redemption emerges. As the Rushworth family navigates the harsh realities of poverty, their resilience and determination are put to the test in a society plagued by uncertainty and unrest. Against this backdrop, a cast of intriguing characters comes to life, each with their own secrets and motivations. Highwaymen prowling the countryside, thief-takers seeking justice, daring pirates braving the high seas, and cunning wool broggers all play a part in shaping the fate of the Rushworths. Through a series of mysterious and bone-chilling events, the story weaves together elements of suspense, intrigue, and historical detail. The intricate web of alliances and betrayals, set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil, creates a riveting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As the Rushworth family's journey unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where danger lurks around every corner and the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice resonate throughout the narrative, painting a vivid portrait of a family's struggle for survival in a time of great upheaval. In this historical thriller, the Rushworth family's quest for a better life is set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, where the past is a shadowy presence and the future is uncertain. Through a cast of compelling characters and a plot rife with twists and turns, this story offers a captivating glimpse into a turbulent period of English history.
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