1895: This is the calling card left by Marquis of Queensbury calling Oscar Wilde a ‘posing somdomite’ (presumably intending to spell ‘sodomite’). Catalogue reference CRIM 1/41/6
The ‘Labouchere Amendment’ of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 made it illegal for any man to commit an act of ‘gross indecency’ with another man. Sexual acts no longer had to be proven. Oscar Wilde was convicted under this act in 1895.
On 18 February 1895 the Marquis of Queensbury – also known as Sir John Sholto Douglas – left his calling card at the Albemarle Club, labelled ‘For Oscar Wilde posing Sodomite’ (misspelt as ‘somdomite’). He took issue with Wilde’s ongoing relationship with his son Alfred. Wilde accused Lord Queensbury of libel. However, during the ensuing trial, evidence was brought up that eventually got Wilde convicted for ‘gross indecency’. Witness statements from male sex workers, for example, were forwarded to the crown prosecution and resulted in his trial for gross indecency.
Transcript
[Envelope:]
“B”
Oscar Wilde
[Calling card:]
For Oscar Wilde posing Somdomite
Marquis of Queensberry
A
- Why do you think these objects are labelled ‘A’ and ‘B’?
- Why do you these items were used as evidence in the trial of Oscar Wilde?
- The Marquis of Queensbury called Oscar Wilde a ‘sodomite’ on his calling card. Why was this word offensive to Wilde?
- Look at the timeline of laws. Why might it have been dangerous for Wilde to be called a sodomite at this time?