The Red Tie Affair of 1907 (George Clementson)

On 25 September 1907 two police inspectors were witness to statements and certain letters at the offices of Buck & Dicksons, 17, Winckley Street, Preston, Lancashire, England. These were written by George Douglas Clementson aged 27 of Ashton Under Lyne to Ernest Leslie Bassett Dixon aged 22 of Bushell Place, Preston.

One hundred and four years later the letters and statement came into my possession. The content could well have sparked an Edwardian scandal. As a curious historian I am fascinated with the content and the two characters – the man in love and the man whom he adored. I have researched both of them. I discovered that one had a desperately short life, whilst the other lived into old age. One was Rugby and Oxford educated – an ‘author’ and ‘journalist’. The other working in a law firm and then (presumably following this episode) out of work and living on private means. Both born in the 1880’s, from a well-to-do upper middle-class background. Both in the same area in Lancashire. Although acquainted, one of them unaware of the others long-term desire. This was the Edwardian gentile age only seven years away from a world war that was to change their immediate lives forever.

George Clementson was playing a dangerous game that could have ended with a prison sentence. Yet, despite his openness and hopeless desire to express himself on a quite intimate level, he cared little of the danger to him or a potential alarm to Ernest Leslie Dixon who he was so infatuated.

The four letters reveal the seemingly inoffensive infatuation of George Clementson towards Leslie Dixon. Although they ramble along somewhat they do reveal in Victorian and Edwardian times how difficult it was for an unspoken feeling of affection to be expressed. It would appear that George Clementson knew Leslie Dixon socially and possibly through work connections although of course he didn’t reveal his identity until the very end when the two of them were making arrangements to finally meet.

The very fact that these letters were found in the hands of lawyers does indicate that either Leslie Dixon or his family decided to take certain action to end or even prevent a liaison taking place. It was to be another 60 years before homosexuality was to be legally recognised in United Kingdom, although we do know today that relationships and affairs did go on secretly behind closed doors during Edwardian times.

These are fascinating letters written by a love-sick infatuated Clementson (who calls himself “X”) to a presumably unsuspecting Dixon (who Clementson refers to as “D”). The style in which they are written are in parts quite beautiful in other parts marginally offensive and obscene to the untrained eye! But they do reveal an underlying Edwardian culture that had to remain underground for another two generations. This really was ‘the love that dare not speak its name.’

As the letters progress, arrangements are underway to enable Leslie Dixon to identify George Clementson, although they were socially acquainted it was clear that in fact the letters and affection was coming from someone quite close within their social circle. After George Clementson asked Leslie Dixon to wear a red tie to indicate he was interested in a liaison, Leslie carried out the request and placed a carefully coded advertisement in the local newspaper arranging to meet George. So the scene was set – a date arranged. But following the arrangements between the two men, the whole business was brought to an astonishing and abrupt end in a lawyers office with police officers present. George Clementson was forced to apologise for writing the letters and allegedly upsetting Ernest and, crucially, “others”. Although Ernest Dixon is witnessing the apology, he does not press charges. This leads me to presume a third party (“others”) intervened (possibly close family or even the police who might have intercepted the advertisement in the paper, the letters or both).

It’s difficult to work out whether Clementson’s love for Dixon was ever reciprocated. Within a very short time, by 1911 Ernest had relocated to London. He had joined the army during 1916 but was disabled out by the end of the year. He carried on living in London until 1920 when he died. Clementson was out of work in 1911 living at the family home in Preston. In about 1912 had moved to Peel on the Isle of Man where he died in 1958.

By clicking on the thumbnails below you can read the actual handwriting of George Clementson in his first letter to “D”. On top of the letter it says “Private and confidential. For the eyes of Mr Leslie Dixon alone from Mr X”. The other following three letters have been transcribed by the lawyers in 1907.

Here is a transcription of the third letter after George Clementson has seen Leslie Dixon wearing the red tie secretly indicating Leslie’s interest to meet George.:

My dear D.

At last I have seen you wearing a red tie so I suppose you have carefully weighed my letters, and come to the conclusion that you would like to know me better, with a view to seeing whether we shall hit it off as chums. You in doubt think (?) me awfully impudent and impertinent in having written to you as I have done, but if you do, you must remember that I know you to speak to now, and am pretty well acquainted with you, i.e. you are one of the persons whom if I meet in the street we don’t just passed by with a not, but always stop and have a chat, and therefore it is not as if we were total strangers, or had only a nodding acquaintanceship. We’ve had drinks together many a time! Of course I don’t expect you to think such a lot of me at present (you may do in time I hope) and shall not wish you to pretend you do, or to indulge in any manifestations of affection which you do not feel, you can just go on in the ordinary way, you see, and if you are ever bought with my society (?) I shall expect you to tell me so straight out, and also any time when you do not want my company, and promise to do the same to you if ever you bore me, or I should prefer to be alone, which however I cannot imagine happening!

I think you understand now that I am deeply attached to you (I told you how I like to see your face and hear your voice) and of course I can’t help my feelings, as you will readily understand if you have ever been deeply attached to any man yourself, and I think that I have convinced you that I am not after anything wrong (?) or understand, at any rate I give you my word of honour now that I am not, and that as regards any (?) mentioned in my letters (with the exception of being in your company often and no one knew better than I do at present) I do not regard any of them as of the essence of our friendship, and only mentioned in order to show you that I am not a prig, and so far I am prepared to go if it was your desire to have any special privileges subsisting between us, and also to give you some idea of how really keen I am about to.

You know now what I would do or allow you to do, and also what I will do and will allow you to do, and I think it is much better that it should be so, as we shall not have any misunderstandings.

There is however the chance that you do not want to know me better and have simply been wearing a red tie out of curiosity to know who I am. If this be so, I would much prefer to go on as we have been for the last three years, or otherwise we should feel nervous and constrained in each others presence and probably begin avoiding one another.

At present you don’t know who I am from Adam (or at least you are not certain) and it is therefore you don’t wish for a very close friend. I want you to write and let me know, and then I shall stop writing to you and we will go on as we have been doing. On the other hand if you do want to know me better you must write and let me know, and I will at once reveal myself to you. You can let your letter be ours guarded as you like (only make me understand you know) and can disguise your writing or have it tight if you don’t trust me (I may say I trust you implicitly and take you to be a gentleman in every sense much abused word and that any methods which I have adopted to disguise my identity had only been to prevent any break in present friendship. If you don’t want to be “chummy” with me) but I think you do, or else you would not have put on a red tie. They promise faithfully to return any letter you do write to me if you so desire that, and of course you need not sign your full name to it unless you want to. I have I think giving you plenty of evidence of my bona fides, and you will see from what I have told you that opposition in the social scale is about the same and I think we ought to get on well together (it won’t be my favour (?) I can assure you if we don’t !) but I wanted to know if you are willing to have a chum like me (as far as you can tell of course without knowing who I am) and I don’t want to run the risk of getting a rebuff from a dear old fellow like you. Therefore please D (I nearly put an L!) led me know either (1) by the personal columns of “the Daily Mail” or “the Lancashire daily Post” or (2) by letter addressed to Allan Wright, General Post Office, Preston. “To be called for” as soon as you can and I will reply instanter. And we might go to the ballet or “Miss Hook of Holland” on Saturday at Blackpool.

Please forgive me for my cheek, and believe me to be yours (I hope for the last time) ever “X”.

Here is a transcription of the fourth letter confirming arrangements to meet up:

Mr dear D.

Am awfully sorry I didn’t see last night’s “post” until after I had posted any letter to you, and it was too late for me to write and other. Thanks very much for the trouble you have taken, and for your offer to meet me tonight at “The Bull”. It is really very decent of you, but of course I am not at all surprised, as I always thought you were a jolly decent sort. The only fear I had was that you might think I was trying “to pull your leg” and although my letters seemed to me to have the genuine ring about them still I was afraid you might not see how deadly in earnest I was to put the whole thing down to a very bad joke.

Well, I shall be very pleased to meet you tonight at 8 p.m. but I think we had better change the meeting place has otherwise we may find half Preston at “The Bull” impelled by curiosity having read your ad. What do you think to “The Crown” or “The Park” instead? If you write to me (at the post office, as mentioned last night, to Allan Wright) when you get this I should get it before 8 p.m. tonight, I think, and will act accordingly, but if I don’t hear from you will be out of “The Crown” at 8 p.m., and if you are not in their will come to “The Bull”, and if you are not there will try in “The Park”, so now you know.

Am looking forward to seeing you tonight, as you will understand what my feelings have been towards you for the last three years, and am very glad you are not angry with me for having told you how keen I am on you, because of course I can no more help feeling as I do (and I’ve tried to conquer them as you know) than I could help being drunk if I drank a barrel of beer! Of course you will understand that as far as I am concerned you will be the “one and only”, and I also expect to be the same as far as you are concerned, as I don’t want to be among many you know. We shall keep our other friends, but if ever you want anything out of the ordinary (?) of friendship. I expect to be called in (because none of your other friends are as keen on you as I am you know) just as I shall ask you if I am in the same boat, because I am so “gone” on you, dear old D as I’ve said before.

I don’t expect you to think of me as I do for you, at present, but I hope to make you do before long!

Well I am counting the hours before I shall see your old face and hear your voice, when we shall I hope begin an intimacy which will last for many many years, and you will learn the identity of yours always “X”.

Ernest’s advertisement in the Lancashire Evening Post appeared on Tuesday 24 September 1907, telling Clementson to meet at The Bull at 8.00pm the next day wearing a red tie (X. -D: “Bull,” Wednesday, 8.00pm.; red tie.”)

However on the 25th September 1907 George Clementson signed the following statement (transcribed, below, archive copy – right):

25:IX:07

I George Douglas Clementson confess to having wrote on to ELB Dixon obscene and lascivious letters causing as I have lately heard much agitation and irritation to the said ELB Dixon and several other persons whom he was obliged by force of evidence to consider the authors of the said letters.

In consideration of ELB Dixon staying legal judgement I submit myself to any punishment he (ELB Dixon) may shall think fit.

Signed

GD Clementson

E. Leslie B. Dixon (witness)
Edward Cayley (witness)
Inspector Walls 25^th of September 1907
Inspector Cross 20^th of September 1907

Note: The two inspectors did not witness the signature of the document I understand they merely signed it and they did it to show they have seen it on that date. J. B.

written on the outside of all the documents is the following:

“Copies of the letters which are subject of the action”

Please click the following for images to see the full size first letters written by George Clementson (please be advised that readers should be over 18 as this historic content could be considered to be of ‘adult’ in nature):

What Became of Ernest Leslie Bassett Dixon and George Clementson

The fate of Ernest Leslie Bassett Dixon unfortunately is very sad. He was born in 1885 at Preston, Lancashire. His mother was Emma Dixon (née: Seed) and his father was James Bassett Dixon. Leslie went to Rugby School (1901), later to Oxford where he became Bachelor of Arts and later an author (1911 census he was living at 8 St. Agnes Place, Kennington, London). It is possible that he was not living at home for the same reasons George had started a new life on the Isle of Man. Ernest had served in the First World War in the Territorial Force and was discharged “on account of disability” through tubercle of the lungs. His military records described him as “single and journalist”of an exemplary character:

Ernest died in London of tuberculosis on the 16th October 1920 at the University College Hospital (St. Pancras), unmarried, at the age of 35. He was living at 7 Albert Street, St. Pancras (‘Of no occupation – ex-Army’): Ernest Dixon did not leave a will and died intestate. By 1920 both his parents were deceased and his estate was left to his brother Francis who died in 1960 (Lancashire Evening Post – Friday 22 October 1920):

The Dixon family history research is here (7):

George Douglas Clementson was born 18 Jan 1880 at Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire, England. His mother was Miriam Constance Clementson (née: Ousey) and his father was George Edward Clementson. The 1911 UK census shows George Douglas Clementson (aged 31) living at home with his parents and the rest of his family at Belmont North Promenade, St Annes-on-sea. He is described as an “out of work solicitor”. Quite likely George Clementson was unable to find work as a lawyer after this event in 1907. George died in 1958 on the 27th August aged about 78 at 5 Church Street, Peel, Isle of Man.

The Clementson family history is here (6):

According to Manx National Heritage “He (George Douglas Clementson) came to Peel from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, as a young man, about 1912, having committed some indiscretion which disturbed his family and put an end to his career as a solicitor, although it does not appear to have been a matter of professional misconduct.  He lived the rest of his life in Peel, and in the absence of any occupation, he interested himself in the natural history and antiquities of the Isle of Man.  He came to be well-known among the Island’s naturalists and did much valuable observation and reporting, being particularly interested in its bird life.”

Looking Deeper and Understanding

This account is a fascinating and detailed look into the lives of George Douglas Clementson and Ernest Leslie Bassett Dixon, framed around a clandestine romantic relationship and the hidden queer culture of Edwardian England. Here’s a breakdown and analysis of the key points, historical significance, and what this story tells us about the era:

1. Historical Context and Social Taboo

The narrative begins by setting the scene in 1907, a time when homosexuality was both a criminal offense and a social taboo. The Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 and later the Labouchere Amendment of 1885 made acts of “gross indecency” between men punishable by law. This created an environment where any expression of same-sex desire was conducted in secret and with considerable risk.

Analysis:

• The letters and interactions between Clementson and Dixon are emblematic of a hidden queer subculture. Their use of coded signals (e.g., the red tie) was necessary for safety and anonymity. The red tie served as a discreet indicator of interest, akin to the later “hanky code” of the 1970s.
• This was a period when even hints of same-sex attraction could lead to severe consequences, including social ostracism, loss of employment, and legal action.

2. Clementson’s Letters: A Risky Confession of Love

The letters reveal George Clementson’s deep infatuation with Leslie Dixon. Despite the danger, Clementson wrote several letters to Dixon, expressing his feelings and attempting to gauge Dixon’s interest. The letters are described as rambling, emotional, and at times explicit, reflecting both the intensity of Clementson’s affection and his internal conflict.

Key Elements in the Letters:

• Private and Confidential: Clementson refers to himself as “X” and addresses Dixon as “D,” maintaining anonymity while confessing his feelings.
• Direct Appeal: Clementson pleads for a chance to meet and develop a closer bond, showing a blend of vulnerability and audacity. He acknowledges the impropriety of his actions but emphasizes his genuine affection.
• Red Tie Signal: Clementson’s request for Dixon to wear a red tie if he was interested was a bold and risky move. It reflects the use of fashion as a covert signal within the queer community.

Analysis:

• Clementson’s letters reflect a strong romantic desire that he cannot suppress, despite the potential for legal repercussions. His willingness to risk exposure speaks to the intensity of his emotions.
• The letters also show the precarious balance of Victorian and Edwardian social norms. Clementson attempts to frame his feelings within the context of a “chum” relationship, perhaps to provide a socially acceptable guise for his deeper affection.

3. The Encounter and the Role of Law Enforcement

The story takes a dramatic turn when the letters come into the hands of lawyers, and Clementson is forced to sign a confession in the presence of police officers. Clementson admits to writing “obscene and lascivious letters,” and Dixon, as the recipient, witnesses the confession but does not press charges.

Analysis:

• This incident highlights the legal dangers faced by men expressing same-sex desire in this period. The presence of police inspectors, even though they merely signed the document without witnessing the act, indicates the seriousness of the matter.
• The intervention of a third party (likely family or law enforcement) suggests that Dixon’s family may have been involved in protecting him from scandal or in pressuring Clementson to stop his advances.

4. Cultural and Symbolic Importance of the Red Tie

The red tie as a symbol for gay men was part of a hidden language that allowed them to communicate their desires discreetly. By wearing the tie, Dixon appears to have signaled interest, at least initially, which suggests he may have had some reciprocal feelings or at least curiosity.

Analysis:

• The red tie was a bold choice, as it was already becoming known as a queer code. It symbolized both rebellion against societal norms and the search for connection in an oppressive environment.
• The act of wearing the tie and placing an advertisement in the Lancashire Evening Post shows the careful, calculated methods men used to connect discreetly. This demonstrates the existence of an underground network where men relied on coded gestures to find one another.

5. The Aftermath: Diverging Fates of Clementson and Dixon

The story concludes with the contrasting paths of Clementson and Dixon:

• Ernest Dixon: After the incident, he relocated to London, where he eventually joined the army during World War I but was discharged due to disability (tuberculosis). He died unmarried in 1920 at the young age of 35.
• George Clementson: Unable to continue his career as a solicitor, Clementson moved to the Isle of Man. He never married and lived the rest of his life in relative obscurity, engaging in hobbies like natural history.

Analysis:

• The incident likely had lasting effects on both men. For Dixon, moving to London might have been an attempt to escape the scandal or start anew, but his early death suggests a life cut short by health issues, possibly exacerbated by the stress and secrecy surrounding his sexuality.
• Clementson’s move to the Isle of Man and his withdrawal from public life indicate the social and professional damage caused by the scandal. His interest in natural history and antiquities could be seen as a retreat into solitary pursuits, away from the prying eyes of society.

6. Broader Historical Significance

The narrative encapsulates a broader historical theme: the hidden lives of queer people during the Edwardian era and their attempts to navigate a world where their desires were criminalized and stigmatized. It illustrates:

• The Risks of Self-Expression: Clementson’s letters are a testament to the emotional turmoil faced by gay men who dared to express their feelings. The language of the letters, mixing affection with hesitation and fear, reflects the internalized homophobia and societal repression of the time.
• The Use of Coded Language and Fashion: The red tie and coded advertisements reveal the creativity of queer individuals in finding ways to communicate and connect, despite the legal and social barriers.
• Legal and Social Consequences: The incident at the lawyer’s office, with police involvement, exemplifies how quickly private matters could escalate into legal trouble. It underscores the power of family and societal pressures in enforcing heterosexual norms.

Background Conclusion

This story is a poignant glimpse into a hidden aspect of Edwardian society, shedding light on the secretive yet resilient nature of queer love. The letters between Clementson and Dixon, filled with longing and coded language, offer a rare and valuable window into the personal experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals at a time when they faced severe restrictions and dangers.

The historical importance of these documents cannot be overstated. They are a key piece of LGBTQ+ heritage, illustrating the courage and vulnerability of men who, despite the risks, sought to express their love and find connection in a hostile world. The legacy of the red tie and the narrative of Clementson and Dixon contribute to our understanding of queer history and the long struggle for visibility and acceptance.

The Law and the Police

The involvement of the police in the case of George Douglas Clementson and Ernest Leslie Bassett Dixon appears to have been the result of a complaint or intervention by a third party, most likely close family members or possibly someone from the legal firm where the letters were found. Here’s a deeper look into the situation:

1. Circumstances Leading to Police Involvement

The letters exchanged between Clementson (X) and Dixon (D) were private, but they eventually came into the hands of lawyers. It’s critical to understand why this would have happened:

• Interception of the Letters: It’s possible that one of the letters was intercepted by a third party before reaching Dixon. Given the time period, mail was often handled by domestic staff or office clerks, especially among the upper middle-class families that both Clementson and Dixon came from. If a household member or office worker found a letter containing explicit content or romantic language between two men, they might have deemed it inappropriate or even criminal and handed it over to a superior, such as Dixon’s family or employer.
• Family Involvement: Dixon’s family, being from a well-to-do, respectable background, would have been concerned about the potential scandal. They might have escalated the matter to a solicitor for legal advice. In Edwardian society, the family’s reputation was paramount, and any hint of homosexual behaviour could bring severe social disgrace. It’s plausible that Dixon’s family, upon learning of Clementson’s letters, took the matter to their legal advisors at Buck & Dicksons (a law firm), who in turn contacted the police.

2. Legal and Social Context

During this period, homosexuality was illegal and heavily stigmatized. The Labouchere Amendment (1885) criminalized “gross indecency” between men, making any form of homosexual conduct, including the exchange of love letters, a punishable offense. The mere suspicion of same-sex desire was enough to cause alarm:

• Social Alarm: The letters themselves, even if they didn’t contain explicit descriptions of sexual acts, were likely considered “obscene and lascivious” due to the romantic nature of Clementson’s expressions. The emotional tone and Clementson’s declarations of affection would have been interpreted as immoral and indecent by the standards of the time.
• Potential Legal Action: By involving a law firm, Dixon or his family might have been seeking to prevent any further communication and to protect Dixon’s reputation. The threat of legal action would have been a deterrent for Clementson, forcing him to stop his advances.

3. The Lawyers’ Role and Decision to Involve the Police

The role of the law firm, Buck & Dicksons, was crucial in this situation:

• Legal Escalation: Once the letters reached the hands of lawyers, they had a legal obligation to address what was then considered a criminal matter. The content of the letters, combined with the public knowledge of the red tie code, would have been seen as evidence of “gross indecency” or intent to solicit homosexual acts. This would have been sufficient for the lawyers to notify the police.
• Witnessed Confession: The presence of two police inspectors, Inspector Walls and Inspector Cross, at the signing of Clementson’s confession indicates that the matter had escalated from a private concern to a legal issue. The lawyers likely facilitated this process to formally resolve the situation, possibly to avoid a public trial that could have damaged the reputations of both parties involved.

4. Possible Third Parties: Family, Employer, or Colleagues

The identity of the third party who initiated police involvement is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely to be one of the following:

• Dixon’s Family: Given Dixon’s social standing and family background, it’s highly probable that his family became aware of the letters and took swift action. They would have been motivated to protect Dixon’s reputation and prevent any scandal that might affect their social status.
• Colleagues or Employer: Since both Clementson and Dixon were connected through professional circles, someone from their shared workplace or legal firm might have discovered the correspondence. In Edwardian England, it was common for employers to intervene in matters involving moral conduct, particularly if they believed it could bring disrepute to the firm.
• The Legal Firm Itself: The law firm Buck & Dicksons may have taken it upon themselves to notify the police after reviewing the letters. This would have been a precautionary measure to ensure that they were not seen as complicit in any illegal activities, given the strict laws against homosexuality.

5. Why the Police Chose Not to Pursue Charges

Clementson’s written confession, witnessed by the police and lawyers, was a resolution intended to avoid public scandal. Several factors may explain why no formal charges were filed:

• Dixon’s Reluctance to Press Charges: Dixon, as the recipient of the letters, did not press charges. This suggests that while he was likely upset or uncomfortable, he may not have wanted to see his friend prosecuted. It’s possible that Dixon had some affection or sympathy for Clementson, despite not reciprocating his romantic feelings.
• Influence of the Legal Firm and Family: The legal firm and Dixon’s family likely preferred a discreet resolution. A public trial would have brought unwanted attention and could have exposed both men to greater scrutiny and social disgrace.
• The Confession as a Compromise: By signing the confession, Clementson essentially admitted guilt, providing the police with a formal resolution without the need for a court case. This was a common practice in cases involving minor offenses or when a public trial was deemed unnecessary or undesirable.

Police and Legal Conclusion

The police were likely brought into the matter by a third party, most plausibly Dixon’s family or the legal firm, as a way to formally address the situation without escalating it to a public trial. The combination of the letters’ explicit romantic content, the legal obligations of the law firm, and the broader social fear of scandal in Edwardian society created a situation where police involvement was almost inevitable.

The case illustrates the severe risks faced by men expressing same-sex desire during this period. It highlights the precariousness of queer life in Edwardian England, where even private correspondence could lead to legal intervention and public disgrace. Despite the secrecy and coded language, the involvement of family, lawyers, and police shows how deeply homosexuality was policed and controlled, both legally and socially.

About the Red Tie ‘Code’

The red tie as a covert code for men seeking to pick up other men is part of the hidden history of queer subculture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the 1800s to the 1940s in the UK, the symbolism of red ties became associated with a growing underground network of men who engaged in same-sex relationships at a time when homosexuality was criminalised and heavily stigmatised.

The Red Tie as a Queer Code

The idea of wearing a red tie as a signal for same-sex interest first appeared in the urban areas of the UK, particularly in London, where secretive queer communities existed despite harsh laws against sodomy. Much like the later “hanky code” of the 1970s, the red tie served as a discreet way for gay men to identify one another in public without needing explicit communication. It was particularly useful in environments where overt signs of affection or interest were dangerous.

Why Red?

The choice of the colour red was not arbitrary. Red has historically symbolised passion, love, and sometimes rebellion. For men who wished to signal their interest discreetly, a red tie was a bold yet subtle accessory. It was easily visible but could also be dismissed as a simple fashion choice if questioned. The colour itself was striking, but the true meaning was only understood by those within the community.

Social and Legal Context

From the 1800s into the early 20th century, the UK had some of the harshest laws against homosexuality in Europe. The Buggery Act of 1533, later replaced by the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, made sexual acts between men punishable by imprisonment or even death (before 1861). In this repressive environment, queer people developed codes and signals to communicate safely. Wearing a red tie was one of these subtle forms of self-expression, a way to defy societal norms without risking direct accusation.

Cultural Impact and the Taboo

By the late 19th century, the red tie had become well enough known that it carried a reputation even among straight men. Some avoided wearing red ties altogether for fear of being mistaken for gay, especially in urban settings like London, Manchester, and Brighton, where queer subcultures were more visible. The notoriety of the red tie grew to such an extent that it became a taboo fashion item for respectable men, much like wearing green carnations (another symbol associated with homosexuality in the time of Oscar Wilde).

Art and Public Perception

In the early 20th century, paintings and illustrations of men wearing red ties were sometimes barred from public exhibitions. Curators feared that these images would be interpreted as implicitly queer or promoting homosexual behaviour. The tie’s association with queer identity made it a symbol of defiance, yet also a source of scandal. The Victorian and Edwardian fascination with moral propriety meant that any public acknowledgment of queer signals, however subtle, was considered dangerous or obscene.

Decline of the Red Tie Code

By the 1940s, the association between red ties and same-sex interest began to wane, partly because of the increasing visibility of other queer symbols and the adoption of new codes, as well as the broader changes brought about by the Second World War. The war disrupted social norms and brought about a mix of people from different regions and cultures, making old codes harder to maintain. Post-war, the red tie’s meaning became diluted as it returned to being a common fashion accessory.

Legacy

The red tie’s role as a queer code is an important but often overlooked piece of LGBTQ+ history in the UK. It highlights the creativity and resilience of queer people in navigating oppressive legal and social systems. Although largely forgotten today, the red tie was part of the hidden language that allowed men to find connection and companionship in an era of persecution.

Today, understanding symbols like the red tie helps us appreciate the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in the past and the ways they resisted conformity through subtle acts of rebellion.

© Ian Waugh. All rights reserved. Original archive owned by Ian Waugh. Public archive (census, probate, birth, death and marriage certificates) supplied by The National Archive, General Registry Office and HM Courts Service.