Eleanor Rykener: The Medieval Gender Scandal That Shook 14th Century London

Step into the bustling streets of late 14th-century London, where rigid moral codes clashed with the messy realities of human lives. In this episode, we unravel the extraordinary case of Eleanor Rykener—born John Rykener—a medieval sex worker whose gender fluidity and relationships with both men and women, including clergy, challenged the strict binaries of the time.

Through historical analysis and storytelling, we explore the fragile nature of medieval gender norms, the regulation of prostitution, and the hypocrisy embedded in the legal and moral frameworks of the era. Eleanor’s story is more than a courtroom curiosity—it’s a testament to the resilience of those who lived at society’s margins, defying expectations and forcing us to rethink what we know about gender and sexuality in history.

Join me on this journey where history meets humanity, and discover why Eleanor Rykener’s life still sparks conversations today.