Flagellatory brothel
A flagellatory brothel is a brothel that specializes in flagellation (whipping) and spanking.
A customer to these houses can typically engage in any of the following activities:
- receive whipping/spanking from a prostitute
- whip/spank a prostitute
- watch a whipping/spanking being inflicted on a prostitute or other customer
- have sex with a prostitute
- receive sexual services from a prostitute
Flagellatory brothels typically have rooms well furnished with various types of whipping and spanking furniture, and a good collection of various types of whips and spanking implements. Some places, and some staff, will only offer flagellation but no sexual services. A typical dominatrix is not likely to be available for sex; that would curb her authority. She may however be willing to play with and stimulate her male clients to make them 'come'. A professional submissive may or may not be available for sex.
Flagellatory brothels in London[edit]

In London, flagellatory brothels came up in the late 18th century and flourished particularly in the 19th century[1]. They may have played their part in coining the phrase of "The English Vice". Flagellatory brothels are known to have existed in the following locations in London:
- Bedford Street, run by Mrs. Collet. This one is known to have been visited by royalty including George IV himself.
- Carlisle Street, Soho
- Regent Street, run by Emma Richardson
- Upper Belgrave Place, run by Mrs. Phillip
- Gilbert Street, run by Mrs. Shepherd
- King's Road, Chelsea, run by Sarah Potter (raided by the police in 1863)
- “White House” at 28 Charlotte Street (today: Hallam Street), run by Theresa Berkley (this was the most famous of all)
The classic Victorian era spanking novel "Frank" and I (1902) describes in great detail a visit to an elegant, upperclass flagellatory brothel in Kensington run by a Mrs. Leslie. One of the house specialties was the presentation of tableaux vivants with prostitutes performing costumed corporal punishment scenarios from history.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Iwan Bloch, Sex Life in England, p. 218