A history of English sexual morals / by Ivan Bloch ; translated by William H. Forstern.

  • Iwan Bloch
Date:
1936
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A history of English sexual morals / by Ivan Bloch ; translated by William H. Forstern. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    could be heard miles away. There were rows upon rows c stalls for the sale of cakes, rows upon rows of show booth Each of the latter had a 'band', and the chaotic nois issuing from them was only increased by the music of a] London's street musicians, who flocked to West Smithfielt for the Fair. Those who had no musical instruments mereh shouted at the top of their voices. All these noises merged with the gay chatter of the crowd to a steady roar thai lasted for three whole days. There were also roundabouts and menageries, as well as open-air shows of all kinds and even theatres. Adjacent houses were converted into theatres for the occasion, where weird plays were per- formed. Naturally, each establishment had its own noise- making arrangements, whether it was a musical band or criers. Everything was calculated to appeal to the senses of the crowd, and the crowd was only too eager to respond. Needless to say, restraint and respectability were thrown to the winds. Everything was permitted at the Fair. The Fair was invaded by crowds of prostitutes, who did a 6 roaring ' trade. But innocent girls also frequently fell victims to the general mood of elation, and many courtesans of that day began their careers involuntarily at Bartholo- mew's Fair, passing from the arms of rough sailormen into those of distinguished libertines. On the other hand, it also happened that noted courtesans visited the Fair in search of new physical sensations, such as their refined lovers could not provide. The newspapers of the time often reported such visits with great relish, though the ladies concerned took good care to disguise themselves. Santo Domingos (Leipzig, 1826) described other London Fairs, which he compared to Sodom and Gomorrah. Punch and Judy shows were a prominent feature of the ancient London Fairs. Punch is, of course, an abbreviation [626]