Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc

Patriarchal Society

Hulu original period drama Harlots drops S2E4 Wednesday.

#Harlots season 3 has not been confirmed.

rottentomatoes: 97%

metacritic: 74

imdb: 7.6




Margaret Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Samantha MortonMargaret Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Samantha MortonMargaret Wells

In 1763 Soho district London, England brothel owner Margaret Wells does her best to provide her daughters Lucy and Charlotte with more opportunities than she had herself.


“Emily Lacey!  All of you.  I’ve got an officer out there with such hard prickstand he can hardly walk.  Mr. Gibbon’s arrived to ponder the riddle of the female, and you’re all sitting in here on your goods like pecking hens.  Emily, go and service Mr. Holland before he expires.  Eat fast.  Scrub up.  Stop vexing my best girl.  I need you to play.” — Margaret Wells

“She’s as pure as the snow on St. Paul’s.  You’re a valued patron, Mr. Gibbon, so you’ll pardon my candor when I tell you you’ll mount that harpsichord before you have my daughter.  I’m soon taking a fine new house, in Soho.  Greek Street.  When we’re settled there, I’ll be taking sealed bids for Lucy’s virginity.  Sealed bids.  As I did for Charlotte, my older daughter.  She is one of the brightest stars in London’s firmament.  And I intend no less for Lucy.  Miss Lambert, at last.  Fanny, the Lieutenant would cherish a voyage on your peaks.  That’s out of the question.  I know her value.  Lucy?  What is keeping Miss Carter?  I’m clawing my way upwards in the world, Mr. Gibbon, not down.” — Margaret Wells

“They’ve never touched us, all the years we’ve been here.  Jacob, son.  Up to the attic and hide.  It pains me to tell you that the constables have come.  I need to get you out.  Go out the back, Lieutenant.  Get these on.  Mr. Holland, set yourself straight!  Think of the safety of the girls!  No– if you run, you’ll be rape-fodder!  Go to Charlotte and tell her what’s happening.  Get yourself straight, girls.  You lie, and your warrant is a trumped-up sham!  Get your hands off my tenants!” — Margaret Wells

“I pay my taxes and my levies.  I support the night watch.  I donate to the parish for the poor; I keep my house in excellent repair– what witness?  I take money for furnished rooms.  These girls are my tenants.  There’s nothing illegal in rent.  Sit down, Charlotte!  Charlotte, sit down!  You shut your mouth!” — Margaret Wells

“Florence Scanwell, that blind bitch.  You have imperiled my move to Greek Street!  My final payment was due today, how am I going to afford it now?  Most certainly; a hundred pounds!  You’re contracted to a baronet.  He should be paying your debts!  Damn you for a stupid slut.  You need to be his property.  Men don’t respect whores; they respect property.” — Margaret Wells

“Our new home, if I can still pay for it.  That money-grabbing landlord.  What a weasel.  He’s given me till Monday, but he’s hiked the rent.  I’m keeping you intact till we move in.  You’ll get a finer class.  You may leap up to where Charlotte is in one great step.  Do not think I balk at it.  And see a man own everything she earns?  I wouldn’t win marriage on a dog.  They can view you tonight at the playhouse.  And I’ll take sealed bids.” — Margaret Wells

“Florence Scanwell, Nancy.  What do we know about her?  Who wants me, Nance?  Whose name is on my warrant?” — Margaret Wells

“I must sort things for Lucy.  See what I’ve been keeping for you?  My mother took me down St. Martin’s Lane.  She’d spent every last farthing on her gin, the slut– and she was a bunter; no one’d go near her.  She sold me to a bawd for a pair of shoes.  I was ten.  Do you know that woman’s name?  She dressed me warm, she gave me a full meal.  She said if I pleased her gentlemen, I’d be her own sweet girl.  I swore it wouldn’t be like that for you.  I gave you schooling.  I gave you time.  Do you like them?  Then make them.” — Margaret Wells

“All there for the taking, Lucy.  What have you done?  Why does he scorn you?  You are the village idiot.  Lucy!  Lucy.  Whatever is the matter?  Control yourself.  You must shine!  Lord Repton.  Silly girl.  The opera moves her.  She cries.  Gentlemen, I’m considering all bids.  The tears worked, you clever minx.  They want you more than ever.  Who signed that warrant?” — Margaret Wells

“Lydia Quigley!  Are you coming after me with lawmen and judges?  You?  I want 100 pounds or I’ll have you up before a judge for a malicious prosecution.  You cannot steal my girls!  Damn you for a kidnapping pimp!  We need the money.  I’ll go after her, my lord.  We are honored by your generous bid.  My precious girl.  Why are you driving him away?  He’s an easy keeper.  You could have him dropping jewels on your pillow, but no, you provoke him to this spite!  Indulge him.  Take his contract.  I’m thinking about your future.  You have never, ever had to sell yourself for pence or beg for food.  My ma sold me for a pair of shoes.  The only safety is in money!  Money is a woman’s only power in this world.  Make it your solace and your dream and one day wealth, real lasting wealth, will make you free.  I will be, when I’m in my new house.” — Margaret Wells

“I prayed for boys, William.  Every time, I prayed for a boy.  This city is made of our flesh, every beam, every brick.  We’ll have our piece of it.” — Margaret Wells

“I was forced to sell her.  I needed the three hundred pounds for our move.  She was rushed into it.  That Lydia bitch Quigley.  She’s heard about my Greek Street House and she’s trying to keep me down.  If she kicks me, I’ll bite her back.” — Margaret Wells

“Lydia Quigley.  She could attack me again, that citadel of quim in Golden Square.  How old is that fish?  It’s turning my stomach.  Lucy must have Repton.  I sold her twice.  Don’t know how to tell her.  Quigley’s?” — Margaret Wells

“Your very first lover.  How are you?  We very, very nearly did.  But fortunately, when the baronet made his bid for you, I had already accepted one.  From Lord Repton.  So that’s twice for your maidenhead.” — Margaret Wells

“A friend.  He went to America, must be 20 years.  Nat Lennox?  So he’s back?  Must be down on his luck.  Well… I’ve been sitting here desponding, Will, thinking how we gonna find enough money?  And sometimes, God just fills your glass, doesn’t he?” — Margaret Wells

“I will protect you while your under my roof.  But I will not be played for a fool.” — Margaret Wells


Charlotte Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Jessica Brown FindlayCharlotte Wells


Charlotte Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Jessica Brown FindlayCharlotte Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Jessica Brown Findlay

“Howard!  Now you must ride harder.  How I have pined for you.  Night after night, all alone!  Surely you don’t want to talk about that now?  What’s in the box?  It’s a gift, isn’t it?  Most lovers would bring pearls.  So if I am Eve, then you are?  Lucy?” — Charlotte Wells

“No, sir!  I am Charlotte Wells and I am here to speak for my mother.  The warrant must be faulty and the witness false.  He can only have been paid to smear my mother’s name.  We are pursued and harried like prey!  My mother protects her girls because the law does not!  Margaret Wells should be commended for the way she runs her house, she is the exemplar of all the bawds in London!” — Charlotte Wells

“Someone had to shut her up.  I’ll help you.  I have some pressing gaming debts.  But once they’re clear… ma, I haven’t signed.  How can I relinquish my freedom to a man who thinks I’m a pineapple?  That’s for what you made me.” — Charlotte Wells

“Ma, there’s your solution.  Sell her virginity.  You had me out at twelve.  If you want to keep her immaculate, fine.  Let her marry a shopkeeper.  You’ll be a Wells woman, through and through.” — Charlotte Wells

“Howard!  Congratulations.  Nothing comes for free, sir.  You’re a harlot, sir.” — Charlotte Wells

“Yes, but all of London knows my constancy.  I don’t want to be owned, like your wife.  You have my word.  Take it or not, as you please.  I won’t sign his poxy contract.  It’s not hard.  You’ll learn to be the Queen of Pretend, as I am.  You know why the men sing so high, don’t you?  Done to them when they’re little boys to stop their voices breaking.  That’s the cruelty of the opera.  The subject is love, but the men have no balls and the virgins are all played by whores.  He offers twice the highest bid.  Then take it.  I’d rather be cut in quarters.  He’s a snake.  I’ve heard about those shoes so many times I could start a cobbler’s.  I hate money!  Are you free?  Thank you, ma, for all you’ve done for Lucy and for me.  You never, ever sold us short.” — Charlotte Wells

“Think like a whore, how much can you get?  For what?  Sell me your charms.  Then you’re a fool.  For a harlot, that doesn’t exist.  Here’s tuppence.  Your company.” — Charlotte Wells

“So what brought you to London?  Might’ve known.  Were you in the war?  What did you see?  How?  You’re learning, Mr. Marney.  I’m not buying.” — Charlotte Wells

“You’re referring to my sister?  Did you deflower her?  And it wasn’t an error until after?  I’m going to pack, you can order me a coach.  Is that what troubles you?  I only ever asked for your trust.  The serpent has been bad, I don’t want to see him.  What will he give me, to prove his contrition?  Is he going to pay my gaming debts?  Then he may have some fruit.  George!” — Charlotte Wells

“I misplayed my hand.  I let the mask slip for a moment and he saw me laugh at him.” — Charlotte Wells

“Thank you.  But be wary.  There are snares all around for us harlots.” — Charlotte Wells

“Even in death women must suffer more.” — Charlotte Wells

“I’m an idiot no longer.  I’ve heeded the lesson that you taught me.  The only safety is in money.  Money is a woman’s only power in this world.  I’ll earn mine here.  As did you.” — Charlotte Wells

“Everything I am, everything my sister is, comes down to this.  My mother was sold, age 10, to a bawd who put her to work as a whore, Lydia Quigley.  That woman has grown rich on countless ruined lives.  Fate has put me in her house, and I will bring her down.  That is my purpose now.” — Charlotte Wells


Lucy Wells, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Eloise SmithLucy Wells

“Hello, pa.  I’ve got Harris’s list.  Give it back!  Give it back!  Give it back, stop!  Let’s see what’s in here about you girls.  Here’s yours, Fanny.  ‘Miss Fanny Lambert.  The very thing in winter for those who love a fat, jolly girl, a fine, bouncing crummy wench, and not amiss in summer, barring perspiration.  Here’s Kitty’s.  No, Emily, wait your turn.  ‘Betsey Fletcher, Russell Street.  This girl is new upon the town, having been debauched not six months ago.’  Culls are waiting.  ‘Nancy Birch, Russell Street.’  ‘When flagellation is required, she acquits herself to the entire satisfaction of her cull.’  ‘Miss Charlotte Wells.’  ‘Her extravagance would scatter the fortune of any but the of any but the most ambitious keeper.  But her eyes dart delight.  Her bosom enchants to rapture, and her wit makes her the very meteor of the hour.’  I’ll be in there next year.  She’s waiting for the right cull.  What, like you have?  ‘Miss Emily Lacey.  A wretched piece, nasty, disagreeable, snuffy letch without even one good quality.’  ‘Walks like a parrot…’ ‘… and swear like a drunken drab.'” — Lucy Wells

“It’s ma.  Not true!  Why, when it’s coming anyway?  I’m worth at least fifty pounds, ma.” — Lucy Wells

“I know.  Mrs. Quigley.  They don’t fit.  I’m not ready.  For me?  I am yours, my lord.  No… please, my lord, just tell me what to do.  I’ll do anything you like, just don’t tell my ma.  It was like the opera.” — Lucy Wells

“It was nothing.  Did we get enough?  For the new house?  So we didn’t?” — Lucy Wells


Kitty Carter, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Lottie TolhurstKitty Carter

“See you soon, Mr. Benjamin.  You shouldn’t be reading that, you virgin.  Perspire doesn’t mean stink.  I’ve read mine already.  I’m appealing.  She’s one of Nancy’s girls.  Read your sister’s.” — Kitty Carter

“That’s me.  I’m bliss, I’m radiant… why are you moaning?  She loves you.  Sweet Emily.  Why don’t you just cluck off?” — Kitty Carter

“Garters, we made them.  You always remember your first time, Lucy.” — Kitty Carter

“Well, we are mucky whores.  Being paid.  Money I earn takes care of my daughter.  With my sister.” — Kitty Carter


Fanny Lambert, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Bronwyn JamesFanny Lambert

“Does it say I stink?  At your service.  What is it, what is it, what do we do?  That’s justice?  They took all her money.” — Fanny Lambert

“For you.  To welcome you to the ranks.” — Fanny Lambert


Emily Lacey, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Holli DempseyEmily Lacey

“Yes, it does.  Appealing– read mine.  What’s in there for Nancy?  I doubt it.  Your ma keeps you cosseted up like a baby.  Better get a move on.  You’re losing your shine.  Read mine.  It doesn’t say that.  When the time comes, I hope your quim splits.  Take me to the circle of bliss!” — Emily Lacey

“We should run, let’s run!  Bloody Margaret Wells, leaving us to walk home.  Why couldn’t she get us sedan chairs?  She’s as tight as a nun’s nip.  She loves my profit.  She loves my pert heavers.  She’ll have them worn to sagging, and for what?  My cunny puts food on his table.  I’m sick of Covent Garden; sick of Margaret Wells and her twofaced clucking!” — Emily Lacey

“I’m never stuck for a position, sir.  I’ve been told Mrs. Quigley’s is the outstanding house.  This is my entry in Harris’s List.  I have the gateway to the temple of bliss.  I’ve got good experience.  I’m the best girl in my current house.  None living.  I can talk if they want.  The male instrument.  I earn a fortune for my current house.  I am constantly asked for.  Mrs. Wells has me on my back morning, noon, and night and I know I can do better.  Don’t know, maybe five pounds.  So you will take me?  You can’t lock me in!  Let me out!” — Emily Lacey

“You let me out, or I’ll tell every cull I’m a prisoner here.  You’ll be hanged for a kidnapping pimp, and so will Mrs. Quigley.  Emily Lacey.  I’m the Duchess of Quim.  So.  You will teach my cunny French?” — Emily Lacey

“I’ve got every right to snore.  I was tupped in half last night.  I’m on my way to earning myself a fortune.” — Emily Lacey


William North, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Danny SapaniWilliam North

“Fanny, Kitty, you’re both wanted.  Margaret!  They’re coming for us!  I’ll hold them off.  Wait a while!  Why wake Christian people in the middle of the night?” — William North

“Enough of your spite and lamenting.  You’re like a stinging fly!” — William North

“Stay.  You need rest.  I’ve reserved the box.  The word is out.  You will have bids.” — William North

“She’s strong.  Like her mother.” — William North

“This has always been Lucy’s future.  It’s a huge leap; a vast expense.  We’re down to two girls.  This move is too much risk.  Lydia Quigley has her girls sucking the law, the clergy, and the whole King’s bench~” — William North

“Who’s Nathaniel Lennox?  Asking for you in the tavern.  He was telling the assembled company of his fine plantation and his thousand slaves.  Strange you never mentioned him.” — William North


Anne Pettifer, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Ellie HeydonAnne Pettifer

“‘At Lydia Quigley’s house of earthly delights, Michelangelo himself could not do justice to the perfect alabaster of Miss Pettifer’s bosom.’  That’s most gratifying.  I’m sure I don’t deserve it.  ‘Miss ‘Aubigne, Golden Square, Soho.'” — Anne Pettifer

“You’ve got this to pay for first.  Quigley puts it on your debt.  Your meals, your room.  She takes it from your money.” — Anne Pettifer


Lydia Quigley, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Lesley ManvilleLydia Quigley

“The French Piece.  Read hers.  It says here you’re dead behind the eyes!  Charles?  I want eager zeal, comprends?  Or you’ll go to the pimps of Cheapside and you won’t be smiling then!  The Duke of Cumberland is bringing his retinue after the play.  Make sure he gets anything he wants.  To watch the sport in Covent Garden.” — Lydia Quigley

“I believe in your crusade against the daughters of vice.  It is not my intention to charge you any rent.  You currently live in a hovel.  You cannot see your child but she is stopped and thin with the pallor of a ghost.  I want you to impale Margaret Wells on the spear of your campaign.  I’d like to see Margaret Wells publicly flayed until her back resembles a latticed tart.  Would you not enjoy that too?  Make an example of her.” — Lydia Quigley

“It’s got a spark.  Have you been long on the town?  Any children?  What do you know of art and culture and the current subjects of conversation?  What instruments do you play?  In other words, you’re nothing more than a rutting post.  Every one of my girls moves, eats, speaks, sings, and plays like a lady.  The only way she differs is in her worship of Venus.  You’re nothing but a bare-forked animal, my dear.  Shakespeare– and my girls would know that.  Take her out.” — Lydia Quigley

“Presumably Wells owns the dress you’re standing in.  What’s your debt to her?  An act of benevolence, I’ll settle it.  Then your debt becomes payable to me.  I’ll have to refine you and dress you in a proper style.  These costs will be added to your debt.  So you’ll work like a black.  Do you understand?” — Lydia Quigley

“See how this sluice rat behaves at the opera.  Do you really think you’ll have the judges ear?  Oh– one of your girls came to me today.  A pert little doxie by the name of Emily Lacey.  She’s mine now.  She implored me to take her from you flyblown cunny house.  Come, my doves.  Let’s leave this rat to eat its young.” — Lydia Quigley

“I’m glad you’re thinking.  It’s a good activity for you, my dear.  I pray you’ll indulge in it more often.  Justice Cunliffe.  I thought your only current mistress was the law.   Ever the overkeen schoolboy.  Take one.  A sweet, untouched hanging risk?  Why would I need that kind of peril?  You mistake me for a gull.  What becomes of her after?” — Lydia Quigley

“Forgive me.  If you were not a stranger here, you would know that woman is an infamous bawd.  She would feast on your innocence and force you into a life of depravity.  London is full of perils, my dear.  I have a vacant position for the right maid.  I wonder… are you she?  Perhaps you are!” — Lydia Quigley


Charles Quigley, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Douggie McMeekinCharles Quigley

“Morte derriére les yeux.  She says that from now on, she’ll be the very spirit of joy.  We’re rehearsing a tableau, mama.  Diana, bathing with her nymphs; look.  Where are you going?” — Charles Quigley

“Look what came to the door, ma.  I would have sent it away, but it has some rather unusual curves.  It’s looking for a position.  Mumma’s ordered me to try the goods.  Then go.  As soon as your debt is paid.  What’s your name?  Miss Lacey.  I bet you made that up.  What’s your real name, Sally Piddle?  I’ll wager you’re a wild bouncing kind of ride.  We’ll teach you all the refinements you’ll need– music, dancing, French.  So climb on.  I won’t harm you; look.  We had a girl who left to be mistress to the Duke of Norfolk.  Oui.” — Charles Quigley

“A very rideable piece.  Count Heinrich was thrilled with Miss Lacey last night.  I think she’ll earn her body-weight in gold.” — Charles Quigley


Marie Louise D'Aubigne, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Poppy Corby-TuechMarie-Louise D’Aubigne

“Why don’t I just jump in the Thames and pull your bitch of a mother down with me?” — Mary-Louise D’Aubigne

“You snore like a piglet.  Your dress, your perfume, your shoes… we think ‘oh yes, I will get rich!’ but Mrs. Quigley, only she gets rich.” — Mary-Louise D’Aubigne


Betsey Fletcher, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Alexa DaviesBetsey Fletcher

“Five shillings.  Will you walk with me?  If we seem a couple, they might not arrest me.  Please, Mr. Oswald!” — Betsey Fletcher

” ♪ Once I slept on a feather bed ♪ With blankets woven warm ♪ Now I’m glad to lay my head ♪ on a cloak that’s old and torn ♪ so sing with me a merry catch ♪ as summer days will come ♪ my love, he is a soldier boy, so I’m following the drum ♪ with a pat-a-pat-a-tat and a rattle and a scrat ♪ and the beat of a marching song ♪ I’m ragged and I’m worn and my hose are torn ♪ I’m lame and tired before my time ♪ and I still follow him ♪ oh, I’m lame and tired but still I smile ♪ and so I follow… ♪” — Betsey Fletcher

“Eight shillings.” — Betsey Fletcher

“What for? ♪ Mary Cooper, Mary Cooper, she’s had every Lord and Trooper ♪” — Betsey Fletcher

“Is she dead?  You touch her.” — Betsey Fletcher


Nancy Birch, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Kate FleetwoodNancy Birch

“Go home to your wife, Ned.” — Nancy Birch

“Come in for a nip of gin, Mags.  They say that on her wedding night, she saw her husband’s prick and thought it such a fiendish thing, she stabbed her own eyes out with a brooch.  Strange about the timing though, isn’t it?  Just when you’re set to move up in the world, you get raided.  Who have you offended?” — Nancy Birch

“Do you really want to kick that nest?  You know?  A host of wasps may rise to sting you.  It ain’t the fish making you sick.  You were just like this when you put Charlotte on the town.  Only twice?  Shut up, Filth!  Her renown might be her weakness.  Well, you could attack her reputation.  I could have a notion that would hurt her custom.  do you remember Mary Cooper?  She was a shining star at Quigley’s.” — Nancy Birch

“Up, up!  You got gainful employment.  I want feet, not cunny.  I want eyes.  You ever heard tell of Mary Cooper?  I heard she’d fallen on hard times.  You go find her.” — Nancy Birch


Florence Scanwell, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Dorothy AtkinsonFlorence Scanwell

“Cleanse these streets with fire and purity in our hearts!  The fornicators, the adulterers, the abusers of themselves, the child-stealers, and all the abominations of Sodom… they have taken our great city and sunk it in the vilest sin.  God lights his righteous fire tonight.  The burning of the harlots!  Burning!  We will cleanse these streets with a fire of purity.  It is God’s work we do tonight.  Let us pray that we do it well.   Feel God’s righteous fire!  Burn, harlots!  Burn, you sinners!” — Florence Scanwell

“Nothing would distress this dissolute and shameless whore!  Let not her tongue sway you, for this harlot has slithered from her mother’s womb to lure mankind to vice.  These she-hounds are a cancer in our city and must be cut out!  It’s not enough!  That is not enough!  That is not enough– egregious shame!” — Florence Scanwell

“I am a plain speaker, Mrs. Quigley.  I am not ignorant of your name or your house. You suckle and nurture an evil trade in flesh.  Why offer me this?  What do you want?  There are viler bawds than she.” — Florence Scanwell

“Do you know God?  Has He knocked upon your heart?  And in the hour of your beauty, did you turn Him away?  You need Him now, don’t you?  Crime of impurity is certainly deep down.  Just ask yourself– ‘how can I commit this sin against God?'” — Florence Scanwell


Sir George Howard, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Hugh SkinnerSir George Howard

“Charlotte… I’ve ridden hard to be with you.  Have you signed the contract?  Are you mine?  I want to be your lord and master.  Wait.  You are the pineapple of Great Britain.  I cut it from our hothouse.  And as I did so, I thought of Eve.  She came to my mind in your form.  Naked, she was tempted by such a fruit, tempted to know sin… the serpent!  Curse you, Haxby!  Why didn’t you damn well wait?” — Sir George Howard

“I worship you, George Howard.  Enter.  I want sole ownership now!  I want Charlotte Wells contracted as mine!  She said she’d been living like a nun!  She was out every night!  You knew.  Why didn’t you damn well tell me?” — Sir George Howard

“You treacherous whore.  Pining alone.  Living like a nun.  Well, don’t you dare come to the playhouse tonight, you cheating, ly– you don’t deserve to live!” — Sir George Howard

“In Richmond.  You lied to me.  You went out every night I was away.  So why do you not sign my contract?  Then I have no surety of your faith.  A whore’s word.  If you are free to lie and cheat and play the whore, then so will I be.  Look at this quagmire you’ve come from.  Look at what I’ve done for you!  Your sister will realize I am quite man enough.  You may wait.  Charlotte!  Charlotte, you infernal whore!” — Sir George Howard

“I can’t get it in, you slog!  I’m soft as a rotted fruit, curse you!  You’re the most hideous piece of flesh I’ve ever had in my life, even more insipid than my dull, fatiguing wife.  You’re clearly frigid, still a virgin.  I shall ask your mother for my money back.  I’ve had enough of you!  In return for my silence, you will tell everyone that I impaled you, hard.  When Charlotte asks what it was like, what will you say?” — Sir George Howard

“Charlotte, before you say a word… it was an error!  Yes.  It was a direct result of your behavior towards me yesterday!  Charlotte, it was nothing.  I spent the whole time thinking of you!  Oh, please.  I’m deranged with love.  Don’t leave me.  I’d look a fool in front of the whole town!  I know I can’t make you love me but stay with me.  You can have anything.  You have it, you have it.  I trust you!  Please.  You’ve roused the serpent.  He’s a very sorry serpent.  He wants to tell you so, in person.  A ring… of pearl and gold.  Yes, all of them.” — Sir George Howard

“Well, you’ll never know what it means, to have a woman like Charlotte Wells.  Such bliss is only for the chosen few.  Well, here are some of her promissory notes.  Pay them.  Yes, she’s a very poor gambler.  What do you mean?” — Sir George Howard


Thomas Haxby, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Edward HoggThomas Haxby

“A person is here for Miss Wells.  Her sister.” — Thomas Haxby

“I’ve prepared a fresh copy of the contracts, my lord.  You’ll be responsible for her debts as well as her upkeep.  I must advise you, it will drain your funds.  ‘A busy week for toast of the town Miss C. W., lately in the keeping of young Baronet Hardhead.’  ‘She was blazing a trail at the boxing on Tuesday.  At the Masquerade on Wednesday…'” — Thomas Haxby

“There’s more than fifty pounds here!  My lord, the chosen few may not be as exclusive as you think.  The Irishman who escorted her home.  It wasn’t exactly a kiss that I saw.” — Thomas Haxby


Lord Repton, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Tim McInnernyLord Repton

“Howard!  Where’s your fine lady?  Not your wife, man!  The sister comes out tonight, have you heard?  Wells junior.  Maidenhood to the highest bidder, and I swear that will be me.  I had Charlotte’s.  I would like her sister’s too.” — Lord Repton

“My dear.  Let me see her.  Why, the poor lamb…” — Lord Repton


Lady Repton, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Fenella WoolgarLady Repton

“He means Miss Wells.  Lord Repton is besotted with Miss Wells.  My husband loves a hymen.” — Lady Repton


Violet Cross, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Rosalind EleazarViolet Cross

“These boys come to pay my rent.  Nancy sent me.  Charles Quigley.” — Violet Cross

“My cunny needs a cursed rest. ♪ Kisses scorch, her waps are super ♪” — Violet Cross

“Say a prayer for a poor harlot?  Any of you wretches know Mary Cooper?  Mary Cooper?  Touch her.” — Violet Cross


Daniel Marney, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Rory Fleck ByrneDaniel Marney

“Snuff?  I’ve carried you before, Miss Wells.  I’d be insulted you don’t recall only I was at the back.  Now I’ve graduated to the front.  But I won’t be doing this for very long.  I thought I might set myself up as a fancy-man.  There must be many a lady who’d pay for a throw with a well-shaped man like me.  My price is very fair.  I’d even give you the first one for free.  You would, I guarantee it.  Right, Seamus.” — Daniel Marney

“Do you need a ride?  My offer still stands.  Like I said, first one for free.  A guinea.  I offer you love.  Then I have nothing.  Hunger in my stomach and a mouth full of breeze.  What’s that for?” — Daniel Marney

“I was in the navy.  Tail end of it.  In Guadeloupe, Havana.  West Indies.  The inside of a ship, mostly.  Green islands, land I never walked on, and fish.  The fish were profoundly amazing.  That’s it, the hour’s up now.  You must pay for another to hear about the fish.  You’ll make a harlot of me yet.  Thank you for your company, Ms. Wells.” — Daniel Marney


Cheif Constable, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Paul BigleyCheif Constable

“Open the door in the name of the king! Open the door!  Open the door!  Open the door.  Margaret Wells, I am charging you under the Disorderly Houses Act of 1752, that you do keep an obscene and bawdy house–” — Chief Constable


Justice Cunliffe, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Richard McCabeJustice Cunliffe

“The warrant is signed by a witness who declares that he paid you for intimate congress with the women who abide you.  Your business is procuring harlots.  How dare you interrupt this court.  In your own words, you have admitted that your mother is a common bawd.  I grieve for the desperate women I have seen today, who, faced with starvation, have sold their flesh.  But you are no such creature, Margaret Wells.  You are a leech grown fat upon the sins of others.  A vile parasite engaged in a brutal trade.   I fine you 100 pounds for running a disorderly house, and if I see you before me again, I’ll have you whipped and transported.  Empty the court!” — Justice Cunliffe

“Mistress Lydia.  I am in need of a girl.  Not that kind of a girl.  I have some new friends.  They’re looking for something more… immaculate.  The peril is the adventure, surely.  I have told my new friends that you are unsurpassed.  They will pay whatever you ask.  Impress them.  And doors would open for you, as they are opening for me.  I have no concern for after.  Still a peach under all that powder.” — Justice Cunliffe


Robert Oswald, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Steven RobertsonRobert Oswald

“The court is not obliged to name him.  Order!” — Robert Oswald


Amelia Scanwell, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Jordan StevensAmelia Scanwell

“I am fit and well and my cheeks are rosy.” — Amelia Scanwell

“Here.  You are loved.” — Amelia Scanwell


Sam Holland, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Ziggy HeathSam Holland

“Who dares interfere with an Englishman’s right to go whoring?” — Sam Holland


Jacob Wells North, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Jordan A. Nash

Jacob Wells North


Harriet Lennox, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Pippa Bennett-Warner

Harriet Lennox


Lady Isabella Fitzwilliam, Harlots, Hulu, Monumental Pictures, ITV Encore, ITV plc, Liv Tyler

Lady Fitz



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *