In 1671 a small publication appeared entitled "Whipping Tom Brought to light, and exposed to capital Views: In an account of several late Adventures of the pretended Whipping Spirit". It seems that the streets of London had been haunted by a phantom spanker, who had been nicknamed "Whipping Tom." He would lurk in dark corners and, grabbing a passing wench, he would toss up her petticoats and spank her vigorously until she cried for help. Then he would run off like a thief into the night. Until finally captured he was assumed to have supernatural powers.