Gay Graffiti - Pride Event with Dr Colin Penny

In September 1806, the largest single execution of homosexual and bisexual men in British history took place at Lancaster Castle. This was despite the fact that, nationally, many men were saved from prosecution by a judicial system which often threw out such cases brought before it. So, what happened in Lancashire in 1806 to bring about such a remarkable set of trials and executions? During this talk Castle Museum Manager, Colin Penny, will tell the stories behind two pieces of graffiti which are associated with the trials of gay and bisexual men at the Castle, including the 1806 case. He will look at the reasons behind their arrest, and, on a national level, the groups and individuals who saw it as their moral duty to persecute homosexual and bisexual men in Georgian England – you may be surprised by some of the names mentioned!