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In several Shakespeare plays, women dress up as men. Clearly this is something that could be mentioned on stage, if usually for comedy, but would it be illegal for a woman to wear men's clothing in real life? I gather that the 16th century authorities regarded playhouses as pretty rowdy and immoral, and (albeit a long time earlier) I think cross-dressing was one of the charges levelled at Joan of Arc.
So: would the average Renaissance citizen (in, say, London in 1580) regard this as either an offence against creation, a crime or both? Any pointers on this would be greatly appreciated.
So: would the average Renaissance citizen (in, say, London in 1580) regard this as either an offence against creation, a crime or both? Any pointers on this would be greatly appreciated.