The weird sex rules of King Henry VIII’s Tudor England

Sex was strictly frowned upon in the early years of King Henry VIII’s reign — unless you followed certain rules. In fact, there were so many rules regarding when and how often you could have sex in Tudor England, it’s a wonder anyone was able to have any fun at all.

Some of the outlandish laws put in place in 16th Century England were apparently necessary, so that people would not be compelled to indulge in those awful “vices.”

Sex was viewed very differently in the early years of King Henry VIII’s reign. (Getty)

Don’t get naked

For starters, sex was forbidden on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

According to historian Lauren Johnson, people were also supposed to abstain from sex throughout Lent, Advent and Pentecost; when a woman was menstruating; when a woman was pregnant, and for a month after giving birth, and also when she was breast-feeding.

Sex was also forbidden before major holy days, three days before taking communion and during the day. Apparently, it was okay to have sex at night, so long as you followed all the other rules.

To make matters even more complex, you weren’t allowed to have sex when you were naked and not in…