5. Eighteenth Century Brothels Offered Whipping Services
As the power of the Catholic Church began to wane in the eighteenth century, its tight control on self-flagellation as a religious ritual began to slip as well. Flagellation began to enter the secular world, and it was immediately recognized as something that blended pain with pleasure. Arabic doctors in the 18th century wrote about the use of flagellation as an arousing stimulant. This use seemed to be widely recognized in England, where brothels began to incorporate flagellation into their services.
In 1718, Treatise on the use of flogging was published, which detailed the various virtues and methods of punishment or flagellation. This publication led to flogging being dubbed the “vice of the English,” a stereotype which continues to persist to this day through the spanking school marm of English pornography.
Brothels were widespread and extremely popular in 18th-century England. Even the King, George VI, was known to frequent brothels, as did many other men from various social classes. As flagellation became more popular, brothels had to up their game and provide grander flogging services. One brothel reportedly had a machine that could whip up to 40 people at a time. Another madame, Mrs. Berkley, invented a chair that would later be called the Berkley Horse to deliver a flogging.