Prostitution in Victorian England

Scholars have often depicted England’s Victorian Era as being conservative. However, the number of women involved in prostitution during the Victorian Era was remarkably high and, research has shown there were more then 80,000 brothels in London during this time. Various types of brothels catered to diverse desires, including cross-dressing, gay brothels, and unique fantasies. Flagellation brothels were places people could go to be whipped by either women or men. Prostitution was legal during this period and was often promoted in various circles, as it was thought that men required an outlet for the sexual urges they had to suppress in their everyday lives. Also, it provided many women with the chance to earn income that would have been otherwise inaccessible to them. During this era, women encountered limited career prospects, often confined to low-paying jobs that frequently involved hazardous working conditions. Common roles included street vendors, factory workers, and shop girls. A fortunate woman might secure a position as a household servant within a noble family's estate.

Prostitution was one of the rare professions that enabled women to choose their own hours and earn an income without depending on a husband for financial stability. A woman with significant attractiveness could potentially earn enough to achieve financial independence. While all prostitutes did similar work, there were three levels that a woman categorised in:

-The most marginalized group consisted of young women employed in brothels. They were compelled to engage with various men and frequently endured unsanitary living conditions.

-Single-working women such as shop girls, and house workers also worked as casual prostitutes to support their income. If a woman were found to have lost her virginity before marriage, It would categorize her as 'fallen' often leading to a life of prostitution.

-The middle-class sex workers operated independently, without relying on brothels or madams. They could also choose their clients but did not have access to brothel protection or medical examiners.

-The higher-class prostitutes were women who were attractive and educated and had wealthy clientele, primarily aristocrats or parliament members.

In the Victorian era, the age of consent was set at just 13 years old. Child labour was prevalent during this time, and many lower-class families viewed their children primarily as sources of income. Boys and girls as young as 11 often managed to appear older, and if sold into prostitution by their parents, they had no option but to enter the workforce. An Investigative Journalist called William Thomas  Stead (W.T Stead), published ‘The Maidan Tribute of Modern Babylon’ in Pall Mall Magazine. Stead’s investigation proved how easy it was to purchase the virginity of a 13-year-old girl for £5, Stead purchased someone’s daughter, whom he called ‘Lily’, her parents were alcoholics and took the money she earned. The £5 covered the cost of a medical examination to ensure that she was a virgin, and a cut also went to the brothel owner. Stead received advice from the examiner to use chloroform on the girl to prevent her from resisting during the assault. The publication of this article sparked public outrage and ultimately resulted in the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which raised the age of consent to 16 years old. W.T. Stead is still regarded as a hero for his advocacy of women's rights and was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, he perished in the Titanic disaster in 1912. However, his legacy continues through the Stead Memorial Fund, which actively combats sex trafficking today.

The Swell’s Night Guide 'Through the Metropolis' was an important resource in Victorian England. It provided an insightful perspective on prostitution in Victorian London. This intriguing book outlines the call girls and the different pubs, bars, and theaters where they operated. Among the most frequent visitors to brothels were soldiers. During the 1800s, venereal diseases were so prevalent that they caused as many deaths as men in battles. Furthermore, these illnesses left many otherwise healthy men unfit for military duty. The Contagious Diseases Act was enacted in 1864 to curb the spread of disease. In towns located near naval bases, any woman suspected of having a sexually transmitted infection was compelled to undergo a medical examination. If a woman refused, she could be restrained on a table. Should it be found that she was infected, she would be mandated to stay in a hospital for a duration of up to three months. Many sex workers were arrested for offenses like public drunkenness or loitering on the streets, which were deemed illegal under the Town Police Clauses Act of 1847. These minor offenses often resulted in prison sentences of up to a year. Additionally, there were institutions known as Reformatories, designed to rehabilitate women who had fallen into prostitution. Reformatories often were run by religious organisations and the women were required to stay for a few years and repent for their sins. 

While the issues surrounding prostitution are often viewed in black and white, there are some instances where it served as either a supplementary activity or the sole option for employment. It was a disreputable profession, often viewed as a necessary evil. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that while upper-class women in society typically disapproved of this activity, they were also the first to advocate for the 'fallen women' who were being exploited.