The article on the use of the Devil (see December Newsletter) is particularly interesting so I thought to add another piece featuring him.

There is a contemporary engraving on the lid of a 28gram nutmeg grater by Joseph Willmore, assayed in Birmingham in 1804-1805.

nutmeg grater's hallmarks silversmith: Joseph Willmore assay office: Birmingham year: 1804-1805.

It is that of a diabolical figure and on a ribbon is the inscription 'From One to Another'


The probable significance was realised when the figure of Lucifer was associated with those with anti-establishment sentiments belonging to the 18th century Hell Fire Clubs.

The most famous were those allegedly founded by Sir Francis Dashwood (1708-1781) and the Dublin Hell Fire Club, co-founded by Richard Parsons, the Earl of Rosse and Colonel Jack St Leger.
Both clubs reputedly were for gambling, whoring, blaspheming, drinking, violence and Satanism.
Many considered the behaviour of the club members as corrupting the minds and morals of young people.

The rumours of satanic practises and Black Masses is probably ill informed, although it is possible that some club members did indulge in pseudo-Satanic rites as a prelude to their sexual activities.