Sexual and Gender Difference in the British Navy, 1690-1900

This book provides a wealth of information on the history of sex between males in the Royal Navy, including transcripts of trials and lists of important records in the naval archive. It is a valuable resource for researchers, teachers, and students studying queer history, gender and sexuality, and naval and maritime history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive collection of diverse and significant records offers invaluable insights into the historical context of the Royal Navy's criminal code, which referred to sex between males as "the unnatural and detestable sin of buggery." The richest sources within this volume are transcripts of trials, encompassing both public scandals and revealing glimpses into the sexual cultures of the navy. Additionally, the book provides comprehensive lists of important records housed in the naval archive, serving as a valuable guide for researchers, educators, and students engaged in the study of queer history, gender and sexuality, and naval and maritime history. Accompanied by extensive editorial commentary, this volume unlocks the history and archives, making them accessible to a broader audience of scholars and enthusiasts.

Introduction:
The Royal Navy played a significant role in shaping the history of sexuality and gender throughout the world. The criminalization of sex between males, known as "buggery," was a controversial aspect of this history, with the navy's policies and practices often reflecting the broader societal attitudes towards homosexuality at the time. This volume aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the history of buggery in the Royal Navy, exploring the various trials, scandals, and cultural attitudes that shaped this phenomenon.

Trials and Scandals:
One of the most significant sources of information on the history of buggery in the Royal Navy are the transcripts of trials. These trials, which took place between the 17th and 19th centuries, were often publicized and scandalous, with the accused often facing severe punishments, including imprisonment and flogging. The transcripts provide a detailed account of the evidence presented, the arguments made by the prosecution and defense, and the verdict reached by the court.

Sexual Cultures of the Navy:
The trials also shed light on the sexual cultures of the navy at the time. The navy was a male-dominated institution, and homosexuality was widely regarded as a taboo and a crime. However, there were also instances of homosexuality being practiced discreetly and even celebrated within certain communities. The transcripts reveal the range of sexual practices and relationships that existed within the navy, including same-sex encounters, bisexuality, and polyamory.

Naval Archives:
In addition to the transcripts of trials, this volume also provides a comprehensive list of important records in the naval archive. These records include ship logs, muster rolls, and medical records, which offer valuable insights into the lives and experiences of sailors and officers in the Royal Navy. By studying these records, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of the navy and the role that buggery played in shaping its history.

Conclusion:
The history of buggery in the Royal Navy is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the broader social and cultural attitudes towards homosexuality and gender in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. This volume provides a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and students interested in exploring this history and its impact on the broader world. By studying the trials, scandals, and sexual cultures of the navy, we can gain a better understanding of the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards sexuality and gender in early modern society.

Weight: 940g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032409900