This is the calling card left by Marquis of Queensbury calling Oscar Wilde a ‘posing somdomite’ (presumably intending to spell ‘sodomite’). It was presented as evidence as part of Wilde’s 1895 trial.

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 Somdomite’. He took issue with Wilde’s ongoing relationship with his son Alfred. Wilde put Lord Queensbury on trial for libel. However, during this trial, evidence was brought up that eventually got Wilde convicted for ‘gross indecency’, including witness statements from male sex workers.

Wilde was convicted due to the ‘Labouchere Amendment’ of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which made it illegal for any man to commit an act of ‘gross indecency’ with another man. Sexual acts no longer had to be proven.

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Owner: The National Archives UK
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