Secret rituals of the Hellfire club (11 photos + 1 video)

Throughout history, wealthy aristocrats have often formed secret societies where they indulged in drunken orgies, gambling, and debauchery. However, few clubs have gained such a notorious reputation as the British and Irish Hellfire clubs that emerged in the 18th century.





The first such club was founded in 1718 in London by the Duke of Wharton, a libertine who was said to lead a double life: on the one hand, "a learned man," and on the other, "a drunkard, a brawler, an atheist, and a rake." The club was conceived as a satire on religion and a way to shock society. Its members called themselves devils, and the dishes on their menu had names such as "The Feast of the Holy Ghost," "The Breast of Venus," and "The Loin of the Devil."



Entrance to the caves

The most infamous club, the Hellfire Club, was founded in 1746 by Sir Francis Dashwood, with the motto "Fais ce que tu voudrais" ("Do what thou wilt"). Members of the society met in Medmenham Abbey, a 12th-century abbey that Dashwood had purchased specifically for this purpose. It was rumored that he once went to the parish church with the fourth Earl of Sandwich and released a monkey during the service, causing panic among the parishioners.





Tunnel in the Hellfire Caves

Francis Dashwood was famous for his antics. For example, while at court in St. Petersburg, he once dressed up as the King of Sweden. Initially, his club had only 12 members, but soon many influential people joined it, including the politician Thomas Potter and even Benjamin Franklin, who was rumored to occasionally attend the meetings.



William Hogarth's painting "The Rake's Progress" (1730s) depicts typical debauchery of young aristocrats of the era

The club quickly acquired a reputation for debauchery and drunkenness. Members dressed in monks' robes and called each other "brothers." Prostitutes dressed as nuns and wore masks. Later, rumors began to circulate about ritual abuse of women, black masses, and even human sacrifices, but no evidence was found.

Francis Dashwood: Saint or Sinner?



Francis Dashwood depicted as Saint Francis

One cartoon depicted Dashwood as Saint Francis in prayer, but instead of a Bible he had an erotic novel in front of him, a halo over his head concealed a portrait of his friend the Earl of Sandwich, and at his feet lay a naked woman in a pose reminiscent of "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa".



Later, the club moved to a new location - caves carved into the chalk hills a few miles from the abbey. Dashwood expanded the natural grottoes, creating an intricate network of tunnels with secluded corners for wicked pleasures. In the depths and about 90 meters underground was the "Inner Temple", where only the chosen ones were allowed. It was there, according to legend, that the most disgusting orgies took place.



The club existed for about twenty years, after which political scandals led to its collapse. By the middle of the 19th century, the Hellfire Caves had become a tourist attraction - visitors were attracted by their unusual design and scandalous history.



The entrance to the caves resembles the ruins of a church, and the rooms inside are named after famous members of the club: "The Steward's Room," "Whitehead's Cave," "Lord Sandwich's Circle," and even "Franklin's Cave" (after Benjamin Franklin). Today, mannequins are on display there, recreating scenes from the wild parties of the past.