Times were different in merry 'ol England during the 17th century. Sexual deviants got their kicks in more innocent, yet strangely disturbing ways. In 1691, a man nicknamed “Whipping Tom” would prey on unaccompanied women in dimly lit alleys and courtyards and attack—by spanking them.
It's a frightful prospect, being a young woman, alone and in a desolate alley some foggy night, and have man emerge from the shadows, grab you, lift your dress—and then just spank you before fleeing, probably giggling the whole way. Most of the time he would use his bare hand, while other times he would use a rod, which left some victims badly injured. The kicker: Sometimes his attacks would be accompanied with shouting “Spanko!”
His speed and ability to flee without anyone catching him created rumors that he was supernatural. Before long, women started carrying weapons to defend themselves and burly men would dress in woman’s clothing to solicit an attack. Simple spanking created countless vigilantes and outcries for a ineffective police force.
An anonymously written book, titled Whipping Tom Brought to Light and Exposed to View, was released in 1681. It described, in great detail, the attacks and mindset of Whipping Tom, though no one is sure whether it is a work of fiction or fact.