The subject of BDSM is not new to many people, it is becoming more and more popular. BDSM basically means Bondage, discipline (or domination), sadism, and masochism (as a type of sexual practice). BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. It is believed that BDSM has a very long history and according to Wikipedia, practices of BDSM survive from some of the oldest textual records in the world, associated with rituals to the Goddess Inanna (Ishtar in Akkadian).

In modern times, many societies have become more accepting of the practice. One of those societies is London and it is highly important to not only know the history of London BDSM but its influence over time. The history of many aspects of sexuality is not exactly clear but several evidences have pointed that as far back as the 1500s, there have been elements of BDSM in Britain. BDSM in early Britain has been traced to a John Davies (an Englishman) epigram where he made mention of Flagellation (flogging for sexual gratification) in an erotic setting in 1590. In 1749, John Cleland also published a novel, Fanny Hill where he made mention of flagellation.

In the same vein, it is believed that the 18th century was a very pivotal one in modern day BDSM. Back in those days, the most popular act relating to BDSM was flagellation. It is widely believed that no history of London BDSM would be complete without the mention of Theresa Berkley. According to Dirty Sexy History, she began her business life as a brothel mistress in the late eighteenth century when she opened the first of her premises to patrons who wished to be flogged or birched or do the same, if they preferred a more active role, to the establishment’s willing ladies. Her illustrious career spanned over 49 years, ending only upon her death in 1836. She began in 1787 by turning the White House, a mansion in Soho Square, into a haven of sadomasochism by installing various instruments of torture. These included whip-thongs, cats-o’-nine-tails studded with needle points, supple switches, thin leather straps, curry combs, ox hide straps studded with nails and green nettles. She opened another establishment in 1828 at 28 Charlotte Street (now 84-94 Hallam Street) Fitzrovia which housed a contraption devised for flogging gentlemen known as ‘the Horse’ and where George IV was reputedly a regular visitor. She even invented the Berkley Whipping Horse, now owned by the Royal Society of Arts in London.

Her many works obviously laid a solid foundation one way or the other for modern BDSM in London. In recent times, several other events and happenings have sparked major interest in BDSM. For example, the novel and movie Fifty Shades of Grey by English author E. L. James is believed by many to have sparked a renewed interest in BDSM. In recent times, people are now more open to that aspect of sexuality and coupled with the rise of professional dominatrixes and London mistresses, BDSM is now a mainstay. In conclusion, although the history is not so clear, the bit part that was sort of recorded shows that BDSM has been part of human sexuality for centuries and with the world evolving rapidly, it was just a matter of time before BDSM too evolved.