Tag: Medieval Urban Studies

The current Lord Mayor of London: Jeffrey Richard de Corban Evans, 4th Baron Mountevans at the Lord Mayor's Show. (cityoflondon.gov.uk)
Features

The Mayor of London: The First, The Cursed, and the Worst Mayor in London’s History

London is an old city, with over 2,000 years of history under its belt. When did London have its first mayor? Who were some of Londons best loved, most reviled, and scandalous mayors from days gone by? The role of mayor has a long and rich history going back over 800 years to the reign of Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199). We’re hoping back in time to take a look at three of London’s more memorable mayors.

Brothel scene; Brunswick Monogrammist, 1537; Gemäldegalerie, Berlin
News

Prostitution in the Medieval City

Prostitution was a vice that was was considered a necessary evil because of “men’s lust”. Ecclesiastics felt that if brothels weren’t available to men in cities, they would find other inappropriate outlets for their entertainment. In an effort to curb potential problems, civic officials permitted prostitution to function within the city walls so long as it was regulated and turned a profit.