Please note that this walk includes Adult themes

Georgian London was home to a lively gay subculture, with ‘Molly Houses’ at its centre. ‘Molly’ was a slur used for homosexual men and the term was adopted to describe the clubs, taverns, or coffee houses where they met up in secret. The men who frequented the Molly Houses were mostly working-class tradesmen.

In the 18^th century, being caught in the act of sodomy, could have devastating consequences – pelted violently in the stocks, imprisonment, transportation or even a death sentence. Molly Houses were often raided by the authorities, and newspapers published the arrests and the trials of the men arrested.

On this walk, we will explore the Queer world of the Georgian Molly. We’ll visit some of the places they frequented, including the site of the most famous Molly House – Mother Clap’s. We’ll stroll through Molly cruising grounds, as well as places of punishment. However, we’ll also celebrate the rituals, language, dress, frolics, high camp, and companionship they shared, despite the intensely hostile environment in which they found themselves.

Join Patrick Molloy to walk in the steps of the Georgian Mollies!