You may know private members' clubs by the term 'a gentlemen's club', which is indeed how they started their journey. The original private members' clubs were set up by middle-class British men in the eighteenth century and joining them became a part of your social status.
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.
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 move into the twentieth century, the popularity of the private members' club diminished in large due to the hardships of two world wars. However, in recent years, we have actually seen a rejuvenation / resurrection of such clubs with a contemporary and innovative twist. Looking specifically at London once again, you may recognise The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House for example. All offer a modern spin on the original gentlemen's club, providing luxurious surroundings coupled with first class facilities, food, drink and accommodation. The twenty-first century clubs are also open to both men and women, an example of another way in which they have changed.
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.
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 move into the twentieth century, the popularity of the private members' club diminished in large due to the hardships of two world wars. However, in recent years, we have actually seen a rejuvenation / resurrection of such clubs with a contemporary and innovative twist. Looking specifically at London once again, you may recognise The Groucho Club, Soho House and Home House for example. All offer a modern spin on the original gentlemen's club, providing luxurious surroundings coupled with first class facilities, food, drink and accommodation. The twenty-first century clubs are also open to both men and women, an example of another way in which they have changed.
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 vip 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 Party Venue, offering myriad opportunities to discover new pastimes and exclusive experiences.