Guards Club facts for kids
The Guards Club was a special private club in London, England, founded way back in 1810. It was known as a "gentlemen's club," which means it was a place where men with similar interests or jobs could meet, relax, and socialize. This particular club was just for officers from certain parts of the Guards Division of the British Army.
When it first started, only officers from the Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, or Scots Guards could join. These were seen as the most important and socially elite parts of the British Army at the time. Interestingly, officers from the Welsh and Irish Guards weren't allowed to join until much later, in the second half of the 1900s.
The club's first building was at 70 Pall Mall. This was a big deal because it was the very first club building on that street! Later, Pall Mall became famous for having many clubs. Before the Guards Club, most clubs were on the nearby St James's Street.
How the Guards Club Started
The idea for the Guards Club came from three Guards officers. They were Captain Rees Howell Gronow, Jack Talbot, and a very well-known and stylish officer named Colonel Dan MacKinnon. They first set up the club at the St James's Coffee-House, located at 88 St James's Street. This was right across from a famous hat shop called Lock's.
Coffee houses were popular places for clubs to start, even a century before the Guards Club. They offered a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This was perfect for officers who were home on leave from duty or waiting for their next assignment. They could enjoy good company and hospitality. In fact, the St James's Coffee-House itself later became the St James's Club in 1840.
Meanwhile, the Guards Club moved to new locations. First, it found a home at 49 St. James's Street, across from another famous club called Whites. Finally, in 1849, the club moved into its very own, newly built clubhouse at 70 Pall Mall.
The Club's Later Years
The Guards Club continued to operate for many years. However, in 1975, it decided to give up its building. It then joined forces with another club called the Cavalry Club. The Cavalry Club was located nearby in Piccadilly. Together, they formed a new club that is still around today, called the Cavalry and Guards Club.
See also
- List of London's gentlemen's clubs
- Guards Polo Club
