Private members' clubs were originally set up by upper-class British men back in the late 1700's. The more common term for them at this time was 'gentlemen's club.' Members of these clubs were very much determined by association, name, wealth and capital.
These clubs were primitively born in the West End of London with the three most aristocratic known as White's, Brooks and Boodle's. As time went by during these early years and Reform Act after Reform Act was passed, the notion of the private members' club began to change. As the middle classes rose, so did their feeling of right to entry into these clubs and, as a consequence, more and more clubs were built to accommodate for the growing members; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote.
When you started to use a club, it was generally expected that you remained true to your choice and never deviated to another establishment. You would initially choose your club because of influence from friends or family and because your club has similar interests to you in areas such as politics, sports, literature or art.
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.
These clubs were primitively born in the West End of London with the three most aristocratic known as White's, Brooks and Boodle's. As time went by during these early years and Reform Act after Reform Act was passed, the notion of the private members' club began to change. As the middle classes rose, so did their feeling of right to entry into these clubs and, as a consequence, more and more clubs were built to accommodate for the growing members; young professionals with modest earnings and, of course, the right to vote.
When you started to use a club, it was generally expected that you remained true to your choice and never deviated to another establishment. You would initially choose your club because of influence from friends or family and because your club has similar interests to you in areas such as politics, sports, literature or art.
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 uniqueness. 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 Private Member's Club, offering myriad events to discover new pastimes and exclusive experiences.
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