| The Hell-Fire Clubs
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| While there is much rumour and hearsay about the Hell-Fire Club, there are few verifiable facts. Of the many clubs that either used the name, or claimed an anti-establishment, anti-morality stance, only two are of particular interest. The first is the original Hell-Fire Club, reputed to have been founded by Philip, Duke of Wharton about 1720. It either met in three locations or was one of three separate clubs. The second is the Order of the Friars of St. Francis, founded by Sir Francis Dashwood about 1750. While never called a Hell-Fire Club during its day, it is the one remembered by the name although the others all contributed to its reputation. Atheistical Club, London, c. 1709. Cited in Ned Ward’s Secret History of Clubs Hell-Fire Club, Westminster, London. 1720-21, founded by Philip, Duke of Wharton. Hell-Fire Club, Conduit Street near Hanover Square, London. 1720-21 Hell-Fire Club, Somerset House, London. 1720-21 The Schemers, London, 1723. Founded by Philip, Duke of Wharton. Hell-Fire Club, Montpelier Hill, Dublin, c. 1735. Founded by Richard Parsons. Hell-Fire Club, Limerick, c. 1735. Dublin Blasters, Dublin, c. 1737. Founded by Peter Lens Hell-Fire Club, Oxford, c. 1735. Hell-Fire Club, Edinburgh, . Appalling Club, London, 1738-66. Founded by Hon. Alan Dermot. Hell-Fire Club, George and Vulture Inn, London, c. 1730s. Society of Dilettanti, London, 1732. Founded by Sir Francis Dashwood. Divan Club, London, 1744. Founded by John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich. The Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe, Medmenham Abbey, c. 1750-70. Founded by Sir Francis Dashwood. The Demoniacs, Crazy Castle inland from Saltburn, c. 1762. Founded by John Hall Stevenson.
Bibliography: Portrait: A. Carpentier Pin__. 1739. J. Faber Jecit 1753. “Sir. Francis Dashwood Bar’., of West Wycombe Bucks” The lives of the Rakes. plate face p. 30. |