The Female Coterie facts for kids
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The Female Coterie was the name given to a special club for important women in London during the 1700s. A famous writer named Horace Walpole said they met every morning. They would play cards, chat, or do whatever they liked. Dinner and supper were also served, often followed by a card game called loo. Some of the first members included Mrs Fitzroy, Lady Pembroke, and Miss Pelham.
A New Kind of Club for Women
This unique club started in 1769. It was created by William Almack, who already owned other famous clubs for men. These clubs were located in Pall Mall, a well-known street in London. The Female Coterie first met on December 17, 1769. It quickly became very popular and talked about.
On May 6, 1770, Horace Walpole wrote about the club. He said it was a new idea that would become quite famous. It was a club for both men and women, like the men-only club called White's. He even mentioned he was a member, even though it was a very new and fashionable group.
How the Club Worked
The Female Coterie had some interesting rules. To become a member, everyone had to be voted in. The women voted for the men, and the men voted for the women. This meant that no woman could stop another woman from joining, and no man could stop another man.
The membership fee was five guineas, which was a lot of money back then. Dinner was ready by 4:30 in the afternoon. It cost eight shillings, but the men had to pay extra for their wine. Members met every morning to play cards, chat, or do other activities. A meal was provided for those who wanted to dine. Supper was always ready by 11 at night, and after supper, they would play loo.
By September 1770, this very private club had 123 members. This included five dukes, who are very high-ranking noblemen. The club moved locations a few times. It started in Almack's houses in Pall Mall. By December 1771, it moved to Albemarle Street. Later, in 1775, it moved to Arlington Street. The club's last meeting was held on December 4, 1777.
The New Female Coterie
A club called the New Female Coterie was started by Caroline Stanhope, Countess of Harrington. She had tried to join the original Female Coterie but was voted against, meaning she was not allowed to become a member.
