A private members' club is often referred to as a gentlemen's club; venues originally set up by upper middle-class British men of the eighteenth century. In order for what I hear you ask? well 'face' I guess social status, and how you want the rest of your community to see you (at least back then anyhow).
The original private members' clubs (gentlemen's clubs) were actually formed in the West End of London with the three most popular being White's, Brooks and Boodle's. These originally accommodated the most wealthiest men of the time, who were accepted into the club upon interview, recommendation and known fortune. However, as time went by and the three Reform Acts of the nineteenth century panned out, a growing middle class started to emerge. Now with the right to vote, these young professionals also 'wanted in' to the private members' club and so more establishments began to be built to oblige the growing need.
What's particularly interesting is that these clubs actually started to become divided by class from within, especially with the constant change in law for voting. There were the 'richest' clubs (as mentioned above), often designed by the same architects as the finest country houses of the time, and then the newly erect clubs for men of 'new money' should you will; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote. I guess you could say this was the beginning of the rise of the middle classes.
As we moved into the twentieth century, and with the outbreak of two world wars, the practises of the private members' club soon began to change, to fade into insignificance. However, in more recent years, we have witnessed a revival of these venues, particularly when you consider the popularity of The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House. These funky, luxurious clubs are not necessarily gentlemen's clubs in the way one would assume, but they do take characteristics of what was quintessentially known as a private members' club.
Home House of Portman Square is perhaps the most endearing of private members' clubs, especially as it started life somewhat differently to the White's, Brooks and Boodle's of times gone by. Contrary to belief, the building was originally built as just that - a house - a grand, Georgian town house to be precise, designed by famous architects Robert Adam and James Wyatt for Elizabeth, Countess of Home. It wasn't until 2004, when it was passed to its current owners, that it became the club we know and love today.
The original private members' clubs (gentlemen's clubs) were actually formed in the West End of London with the three most popular being White's, Brooks and Boodle's. These originally accommodated the most wealthiest men of the time, who were accepted into the club upon interview, recommendation and known fortune. However, as time went by and the three Reform Acts of the nineteenth century panned out, a growing middle class started to emerge. Now with the right to vote, these young professionals also 'wanted in' to the private members' club and so more establishments began to be built to oblige the growing need.
What's particularly interesting is that these clubs actually started to become divided by class from within, especially with the constant change in law for voting. There were the 'richest' clubs (as mentioned above), often designed by the same architects as the finest country houses of the time, and then the newly erect clubs for men of 'new money' should you will; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote. I guess you could say this was the beginning of the rise of the middle classes.
As we moved into the twentieth century, and with the outbreak of two world wars, the practises of the private members' club soon began to change, to fade into insignificance. However, in more recent years, we have witnessed a revival of these venues, particularly when you consider the popularity of The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House. These funky, luxurious clubs are not necessarily gentlemen's clubs in the way one would assume, but they do take characteristics of what was quintessentially known as a private members' club.
Home House of Portman Square is perhaps the most endearing of private members' clubs, especially as it started life somewhat differently to the White's, Brooks and Boodle's of times gone by. Contrary to belief, the building was originally built as just that - a house - a grand, Georgian town house to be precise, designed by famous architects Robert Adam and James Wyatt for Elizabeth, Countess of Home. It wasn't until 2004, when it was passed to its current owners, that it became the club we know and love today.
About the Author:
Home House greets people from all walks of life, which is part of its appeal. Quite unlike many other exclusive clubs, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home house is London's most Luxurious and Exclusive venue for hire in London, offering myriad opportunities to discover new pastimes and exclusive experiences.
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