# The Queer Court of William Rufus

An episode of [Gone Medieval](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1564113746), 12 Jun 2026, 49 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/gone-medieval/e/6a21515be25fe33c7c3bac6e/media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=Mo5O-jLVNI_OMZi7QChZ0vQlnlzg-xDpdtHi_oOkmLk

What really went on at the court of King William Rufus? William the Conqueror's son and successor was fierce and ruthless. He taxed heavily, refused to conform to the ideals of kingship, and reportedly presided over a court of extravagant young men and sexual licentiousness. But how much of Rufus's reputation was shaped by the monks that despised him? Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Tom Licence, to explore the life, reign and shocking death of a king, whose reputation remains as provocative today as it was nearly a thousand years ago. More: King Arthur's Sex Life Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Edward II: King of Incompetence Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. Audio editor is Natasha Hughes, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds. Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week, PLUS early access, ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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