E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Stafford.
He has had a treat in Stafford Court. He has been thoroughly cudgelled. Of course the pun is on the word staff, a stick. The French have a similar phrase—“Il a esté au festin de Martin Baston” (He has been to Jack Drum’s entertainment).
