Queer Georgians: A hidden history of lovers, lawbreakers and homemakers

In Conversation with Anthony Delaney Wednesday 25 February

6.30pm - 8pm (doors open 6pm) £27.50

Hear the hidden histories of the real people that inspired Gentleman Jack and the gay romances in Bridgerton.

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In Georgian England...

...Mother Clap's Holborn coffee house is open to all comers, a place of companionship and community, until a tip-off leads to a midnight raid.

...Two women, exiled from their families, set up a utopian homestead in a remote Welsh cottage, inspiring a generation of Romantic poets.

...The celebrated Chevalier d'Éon, soldier, diplomat and spy, challenges a rival to a fencing match. The sweepstake is not over who will win, but whether the Chevalier is a man or a woman.

Based on original archival research by History Hit podcast presenter Anthony Delaney, Queer Georgians reveals the real people that inspired Gentleman Jack and the gay romances in Bridgerton, long written out of the nation's story and now lovingly restored.

In his dazzling work of restorative history, Anthony Delaney traces the stories of people daring to challenge society's expectations, unearthing archives and court records to reveal the tragedies and the joys of queer life three centuries ago.

Join us for an unmissable evening with Anthony Delaney as he invites you to view our shared history in a whole new light.

Ticket includes a welcome drink, a chance to view Dr Johnson's House and a book signing.

Doors open 6pm; Talk starts 6.30pm.

Anthony Delaney

Dr Anthony Delaney has a PhD in history from the University of Exeter, where he is an Honorary Fellow, and presents the History Hit podcast After Dark. Queer Georgians is his first book.

Along with winning ‘Rookie of the Year’ at the 2024 True Crime Awards, Anthony was also nominated for ‘Best New Presenter’ at the 2024 Arias. He also appears on and has presented numerous history documentaries across TV and streaming platforms.

As an actor, Anthony currently plays DC Jordan Macdonald in comedy crime drama Harry Wild for Acorn TV and AMC+. Other TV & film credits have included Hellboy (Lionsgate), Fair City (RTÉ, 2015-2019) and Penny Dreadful (Showtime, 2015). On stage, Anthony has appeared in theatres across the UK and Ireland including the National Theatre and in the West End.

Limited capacity. Early booking advised. A small number of priority tickets have been set aside for members.

Accessibility

There is regrettably no step-free access to Dr Johnson's House.

There are seven steps to access the entrance (with a handrail).

The building is a four-storey townhouse with a staircase between each floor.

There are handrails on each side of the staircase and visitor seating in every room.

Toilets are located down a steep set of stairs.