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At a time when there were almost no career openings for women, a group of intrepid and gifted females scaled the heights of what was literally a man's worldthey became brothelkeepers, or'bawds.' Mother Clapwomen bawds were often known as Motherran male brothels, or Molly Houses. Elizabeth Holland had an immense moated mansion built on Bankside and for30 years entertained the aristocracy, including royalty. When troops attempted to stop her trade and eject her from the house, she and her girls drove them off. The Georgian bawd Charlotte Hayes held a 'Cyprian Fete' at which gentlemen 'of the highest breeding' first watched athletic young men copulating with nubile whores and then joined in themselves. Fergus Linnane reveals the other side of London's years of pomp and splendor, painting a vivid picture of the bawds, their girls, and their clients. Madams is fresh and original, offering humor, insight, and a very candid view of the sexual behavior of Londoners through the ages.