Next time any UK-based readers happen to wander along the shopping streets of London, they may care to pause and contemplate what went on in at least one store at the turn of the last century, as reported in The Canadian at the time:
It’s the sort of thing I’d have dreamt up for one of my stories – only it would, perhaps, have seemed a little far-fetched. I don’t think I’ll be able to go into, say, Selfridge’s now without wondering where the birching room used to be, and how many strokes it was deemed necessary to administer to a gentlewoman to spare her the shame of appearing before the magistrates.
I sure wish it had noted whether the ladies were made to lift their skirts (and more) to receive their birching. I wonder how many of these women got caught shoplifting on purpose, just so they could experience a sexy punishment? I know I would have! : – )
Of course the birch must be given on the bare… or at the very most, over a sheer and scan undergarment. The birch rods would otherwise have no effect over a fully clothed and protected bottom since they are so lightweight and thin. No victimized shopkeeper would give a girl such a light alternative to going to the courts.
And the girls who shoplifted on purpose to get spanked and then go home to masturbate wouldn’t have had it any other way!!