Note 328 — Chapter XIX · CLUBS.

Whether this 'Secret History' be true or not, it would almost appear that there was a Calves Head Club in George the Second's reign, for in the Monthly Intelligencer, which was a portion of the Gentleman's Magazine, we find[328]: 'Friday, January 30, 1735. Some young Noblemen and Gentlemen met in a Tavern in Suffolk Street,[329] called themselves the Calves Head Club; dress'd up a Calfs Head in a Napkin, and after some Huzzas threw it into a Bonfire, and dipt Napkins in their red Wine, and wav'd them out at Window. The Mob had strong beer given them, and for a time hallood as well as the best; but taking Disgust at some Healths propos'd, grew so outragious, that they broke all the Windows, and forc'd themselves into the House, but the Guards being sent for, prevented further Mischief.' Different accounts exist of this occurrence, variously modifying it, until they end in a total denial; but engravings exist professing to give the 'True Effigies' of the scene. Apropos of this, in the 1714 edition of the 'Secret History' is an engraving of 'the Westminster Calf's Head Club,' which is none other than the representation of a coffee-house already produced (see page 162), but altered somewhat to suit the occasion. For instance, the dame de comptoir is erased, and in her place is a huge axe.