Turf Club (Gentlemen's Club)

The Turf Club is a London gentlemen's club, established in 1861. It is currently located at 5 Carlton House Terrace.

History

Founded in 1861, the Turf Club began life as the Arlington, with premises in Bennett Street, Piccadilly.Nevill, op. cit., p. 218 It was while there that members drew up the laws of whist, officially sanctioned by the Portland Club in 1864.Nevill, op. cit., p. 181

Members had originally wished to call themselves simply The Club until it was discovered that they had been beaten to it: a hundred years or so earlier the name had been claimed by Dr Johnson and Sir Joshua Reynolds for their renowned dining society.

In 1965, the Turf Club moved to its current home at 5 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AQ, overlooking the Mall. Carlton House Terrace itself was designed and built by John Nash, the famous Regency architect, between 1827 and 1833. Previous residents of Number 5 include Lord Palmerston; John Hay, the U.S. Ambassador; and Emerald, Lady Cunard.

: "Probably the most exclusive club in London." [1911]

: "At the turn of the [Twentieth] century, when many clubs were forced to admit a wider range of members, the Turf remained notably exclusive. It has always been particularly well off for Dukes." [1979] Lejeune, op. cit., p. 273

: "A younger edition of White's." [1979] Lejeune, op. cit., p. 7

References

; Sources consulted

* Cite book
author = Lejeune, Anthony
year = 1979
title = The Gentlemen's Clubs of London
location = London
publisher = Macdonald and Jane's
id = ISBN 0354085042
* Cite book
author = Nevill, Ralph
origyear = 1911
year = 1969
title = London Clubs: Their History and Treasures
location = London
publisher = Chatto and Windus
id = ISBN 0701115203

; Endnotes

ee also

* List of London's gentlemen's clubs

External links

* [http://www.turfclub.co.uk/ Turf Club.co.uk] - official website