The Story of England's First Drag Queen

Born John Cooper, "Princess Seraphina" was one of the first English Drag Queens. Princess Seraphina was an 18th-century gentleman’s servant who openly embraced her feminine drag persona. But in May 1732, a man named Thomas Gordon robbed her of her clothes and money. The court case that followed was astounding.

Today Anthony Delaney takes Kate Lister back to the riotous streets of 18th century London.

Anthony's book Queer Georgians is out now in paperback.

Edited by Tim Arstall. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

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