The Beggar's Benison

The Most Ancient and Most Puissant Order of the Beggar's Benison and Merryland, Anstruther, better known simply as The Beggar's Benison, was a Scottish gentlemen's club devoted to "the convivial celebration of male sexuality". It was founded in 1732 in the town of Anstruther on the Firth of Forth and is often mentioned in descriptions of the libertine culture of 18th century Britain.

The full title of the club is "The Most Ancient and Most Puissant Order of the Beggar's Benison and Merryland, Anstruther", where the word 'Merryland' is a euphemism for the female body – used often in contemporary erotic literature. The word '' means 'blessing' and, according to the founders, the club's name came from a story about King James V, "The Gude-man of Ballangeich", who:

"in the disguise of a bagpiper, was journeying to the East Neuk of Fife. Failing to cross the Dreel Burn, in spate, a buxom gaberlunzie lass came to the rescue, tucked up her petticoats, and elevated her Sovereign across her hurdies to the opposite bank. Enamoured with the high favour, his Majesty in return gave the damsel her fairin' for which "the gude-man" got her "benison"!"

The woman blessed him with the words "May your purse ne'er be toom [empty] and your horn aye [always] in bloom". The club's motto thus became, "May prick nor purse ne'er fail you".

The club was formed in 1732 but only formally established in 1739. It existed until 1836. The club's members, drawn from the upper classes of society, dined and drank together, exchanging obscene songs and toasts. Much of their discussion revolved around sex and there were often lectures on sex and anatomy. The club had a stock of pornography and there were also sometimes naked "posture girls" for the members to look at. They also are thought to have indulged in rituals of collective masturbation, which formed part of the initiation ceremony.

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Wikipedia