White's facts for kids
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| Formation | 1693 |
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| Type | Gentlemen's club |
| Location |
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White's is a very old and famous private club in London, England. It started way back in 1693 as a hot chocolate shop. This makes it the oldest gentlemen's club in the city. The club moved to its current building on St James's Street in 1778.
What is White's Club?
White's is known as the oldest gentlemen's club in London. It began in 1693. Many people think it is the most exclusive private club in London. This means it is very hard to become a member.
Famous Members of White's
Some very important people have been members of White's. These include King Charles III and Prince William. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was also a member for 15 years. He left the club in 2008. This was because the club did not allow women to join.
A Club for Gentlemen Only
White's has always been a club just for men. There have been only a few exceptions. Queen Elizabeth II visited the club twice, in 1991 and 2016. In 2018, a group of women tried to enter the club. They called themselves 'Women in Whites'. They wanted to show that the club only allowed men. One woman even pretended to be a man to get inside. They were asked to leave.
The Long History of White's
The club first opened in 1693. It was at 4 Chesterfield Street in Mayfair, London. An Italian man named Francesco Bianco started it. It was called Mrs. White's Chocolate House. At first, it sold hot chocolate. It also sold tickets for plays at local theaters.
From Chocolate Shop to Club
White's quickly changed from a chocolate shop to a private club. In the early 1700s, it became famous for gambling. People who went there were called "the gamesters of White's." The club became known for being very exclusive. It was also known for its members' wild behavior. A writer named Jonathan Swift once said White's was "the bane of half the English nobility." This meant it caused problems for many noble families.
Moving to St James's Street
In 1778, White's moved to its current home. This is at 37–38 St James's Street. From 1783, it was the unofficial meeting place for the Tory political party. Another club, Brooks's, was nearby. That club was for the Whig political party. Some friendly gentlemen were members of both clubs.
The Famous Bow Window
The new building had a special bow window on the ground floor. A table in front of this window became a very important spot. It was where the most important men in the club sat. This spot belonged to Beau Brummell. He was a very fashionable man. After he left in 1816, Lord Alvanley took his place. It is said that Lord Alvanley once bet £3,000 on which of two raindrops would reach the bottom of the window first! Later, the Duke of Wellington used this special spot until he died in 1852.
Unusual Bets at White's
Lord Alvanley's bet was not the strangest in White's famous betting book. Some bets were about sports. But many were about politics, especially during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Many bets were also about social things. For example, members would bet if a friend would get married that year. Or they would bet on who a friend would marry.
A Famous Chef
White's has always been a club for gentlemen. But one of its most famous chefs in the early 1900s was a woman named Rosa Lewis. She was so well-known that a TV show, The Duchess of Duke Street, was based on her.
Royal Connections
King Charles III had his pre-wedding party at the club in 1981. This was before he married Diana Spencer. His older son, Prince William, became a member of the club soon after he was born.
The Clubhouse Building
The White's clubhouse is located at 37–38 St James's Street. It is in the City of Westminster. The building is very old and important. It is called a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical value.
Building Design and Features
The building was first built in 1674. It was rebuilt in 1787–88. It was changed again in 1811. The front of the building was updated in 1852. It is made of a type of stone called Portland stone. It has a slate roof. The building looks like a Victorian version of a Palladian style. This is a type of classical architecture. It also has some French design ideas.
The building has five floors. Three main floors are for members. There is also a basement and an attic. In the late 1970s, the outside was painted blue with white trim. But this color scheme was not kept.
Inside the Club
The club bar is smaller than bars in many other clubs. A book called The Sixth Column (1951) by Peter Fleming describes it. In the book, the club is called "Black's."
White's does not have rooms for members to stay overnight. But it has many other facilities. These include a dining room for members. There is also a billiards room. Several other rooms are available for members to socialize. They can also hold private dinners there. The club's menu often features British game meats.
Images for kids
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White's club
