In the eighteenth century, homosexuality in England was illegal, punishable by execution. Homosexual activity did take place, particularly in the larger cities, however only behind closed doors. In the seedier parts of the cities there existed brothels where men (from all classes) who were looking for sex with other men could go. These were called molly houses, and the most famous of these was Mother Clap's molly house in the Holborn area of London.
