Turf Club of London
Traditional Gentlemen's Club
Turf Club began as one of England's numerous clubs for upper class gentlemen in the nineteenth century. Gentlemen's clubs provided places for gentlemen to socialize with men of the same class without the distractions of family responsibilities or duties. Over the years, many gentlemen's clubs have closed but Turf Club remains. What is the classic appeal of this traditional club?
Turf Club History
When Turf Club began, clubs existed for aristocrats and gentlemen who earned their wealth and status through education, accomplishment or trade. Turf Club was based upon the more traditional clubs for aristocrats.
Turf Club was founded in 1861 as a leisure club for upper class gentlemen who enjoyed card games, parlor games and sports. Members could discuss politics and current events over meals. Card games could go on for days without interruption, if desired.
Card games were extremely popular with Turf members. In fact, Turf club member created the rules for the version of the card game, Whist, which were later officially sanctioned by the Portland Club in 1864.
Turf Clubhouse
The current Turf clubhouse is located at 5 Carlton House Terrace by the Mall. The building was designed and built by the famous British architect, John Nash, in 1833. Turf club moved into the premises in 1965. Previous residents of 5 Carlton House Terrace include John Hay, Henry John Temple (Lord Palmerston) and Lady Emerald Cunard.
To this day, the clubhouse remains true to Nash's architectural designs. The rooms are decorated with many of the building's original art and furnishings and other classic décor.
Turf Club Life
Life at Turf Club is private and exclusive. Just like White's, the outside world knows little about the Turf Club. Since many club members are powerful British men, the club carefully guards member privacy and details of club activities. The media, especially the paparazzi, cannot easily access club information and members are unlikely to discuss other members. This may be one of the reasons that Prince William and Prince Harry joined Turf Club as honorary members in 2008.
Modern club life still observes many of the original traditions. The club brings together upper class British men to socialize over games, sports, meals, wine and conversations. Rooms are available for overnight stays. Social rules and etiquette are important. Business can never be discussed.
Most members are aristocrats or part of British elite society. Members must pay an £1,000 annual membership fee. Current members propose prospective members. Club member Sir Francis Brooke proposed the two princes for membership into Turf.
Sources:
Lejeune, Anthony, Gentleman's Clubs of London, Macdonald and Jane's, 1979
Turf Club Carlton House Terrace
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