History of Gentlemen's Clubs
Taken from notes by Paul de Serville, Club historian.
Philosophy of a Club
The club is an essentially an English institution, reserved exclusively for gentlemen.
Grounded in ideas of common law, private property, independence of the subject and the social position of gentlemen, the club cultivates among its members a mutual understanding of what it means to be a gentleman - code of honour, dress, conduct, speech and good tastes.
To preserve the exclusive nature of the club, membership admission is contingent on an invitation from an already established member.
Clubs are an oasis of quiet and stability to all generations; almost like a second home to their members.
The Beginning
The first gentlemens' clubs were established in the 18th century London, where friends gathered to read newspapers, gossip, discuss politics and play board games.
Amidst rich comfort, these clubs offered their members an intimate venue where friendships could be formed and maintained in comfortable café like surroundings.
From officers to politicians to merchants, the next generation of clubs attracted members from a wide spectrum of social standing.
This progress reflected a broader social change; a widening of the middle classes in England.
Club Architecture
Early clubhouses were little more than 18th century townhouses, restrained and severe. From 1815 onwards, starting with Sir Robert Smirke’s United Service building, the new clubhouses were designed to express dignity and to impress. Many had ‘noble staircase halls’, which became standard in large clubhouses.
Sir Charles Barry’s design of the clubhouse of the Reform established the popularity of the Italian Style and served as a model for later clubhouses. Many London clubs of this period had splendid libraries and collections, which in their heyday were much used by their members.
Bedrooms seem to have been added later, and indeed, some of the grand clubs still have none.
The expansion of the Club World
By the 1860's, most major groups in London had a club that reflected their status.
With popularity swelling and waiting lists a norm, some famous 19th century clubs had imitators that catered for the younger generation.
By the early 20th century, it is estimated that the number of people belonging to a club was 200,000, up from 1200 in just over a century.
Ireland, Scotland, Europe and the Empire
Although overshadowed by debating societies and learning associations in London, clubs began to spread to major capitals, often along political lines.
Outside London, Dublin and Paris, in particular, exuded a strong club tradition.
In Dublin, The Daly's Club, Kildara Street Club and Sackville Street Club enjoyed a strong patronage since 1770's but, along with most British institutions, suffered a decline after 1922.
In Paris, consistent with the grander London clubs, places such as Cercle de Union (founded in 1828) and the Jockey Club (1834), epitomised higher French aristocracy.
In Northern America, New York had the most number of club members and it became the site for a wide spectrum of prominent clubs including the Union (1836), the Century (1847) and the Brook (1903).
In Australia, clubs were established in all states, with Sydney (1838) and Melbourne (1839) leading the way.