Author: Татьяна Нежинская
03 Jul. 2019

English Clubs: What Is The Interest?

Detective novels, humor, snobbery and gentlemen's clubs — this is a traditional absolutely English list that everyone reproduces without efforts. But what is behind these concepts? And do we know England as well as we love it?

London clubs for perfect gentlemen is a unique English invention, which many people wanted to replicate and adapt to their country, for example, the Russian Empire. But these attempts were not too successful, and what perfectly exists on the island is scarcely ever possible on the continent. It would seem better lost than found but gentlemen's clubs played an enormous role in the life of society.

A classical style of a gentleman sitting in a massy leather armchair, smoking and reading The Times — this is a key to the puzzle of clubs' importance as an institution. The fact is that initially, they became a forum for hot disputes and discussions of even a political situation. The worse the situation was, the more authoritarian the power was — the more violent the disputes were, and the more aggressive the rhetoric was. And over time it was in clubs where that which we call vox populi took shape. The big-name and well-born club members who had relationships and station in life took part in the assessment of events and passed the judgements of respected club members to the imperative top. In such a way, some efficient dialogue came right between the elite and establishment.

As legend has it:

The first London Club is stepped in the same secret as one of its members. The world will never realize without doubts whether William Shakespeare existed, or someone else was hiding behind the legendary name. Nor can we assert with confidence that the Sir Walter Raleigh Club was really founded in the 17th century. But, according to one version, he became the first of his kind, and one of its participants was the great poet. The Club was based in “Mermaid” tavern. And one should dispel the myth that club life has always been matron-like and restrained. It all began with drunk tricks, extravagance, and scuffles, therefore beer-stinking taverns could not be called a crib of polite institutes.

As opposed to the law:

Conformity and snobbery — these are two qualities with which everything is distinguished in English people. But success and development are inextricably linked to changes. When for protecting the traditional drink — tea — a statutory ban on coffee was imposed, Oxford students established the first Coffee Fan Club. It would seem like an innocent freak, but coffee junkies set to politics soon, and the next Green Ribbon Club was not so much relishing a drink as organizing an opposition party. Several Green Ribbon Club members were tortured for this activity which only strengthened the importance of clubs.

Peak of popularity:

Therefore when in the 18th century the closed-off country faced a stream of successful businessmen who, without having a long family history, had a lot of money, clubs ceased to be only metropolitan and spread to the whole country. Aristocrats sought to close ranks and maintain the integrity of the circle of contacts, for which purpose they needed a club. Businessmen would like a word and discuss their problems, and they needed a special interests club, therefore. There were also those who wanted comprehensive communication between patrimonial and entrepreneurial ones, therefore they needed a club too. In a word, the club life bubble appeared in different cohorts of people with different goals, which were united only by the tool.

And what is the benefit?

Firstly, people had a good time in clubs. Moreover, “good” is the most evasive concept. Each cohort had its own interests, but the opportunity to choose a particular organization led to that in some clubs people were sniffing the cork and arranging goofs, in others — played at cards, and in others — kept silence. And in all these cases it was interesting for club members to live like that.

Secondly, people were striking up the necessary acquaintances in clubs. Similar to the first point, it is understood that the pertinence or futility of acquaintance is also assessed differently by everybody. Some of the challengers sought to improve their position in aristocratic circles, and some sought reliable business partners; others were forced by rebellious youth to seek noise and drinks.

Thirdly, the relationships were maintained and reputations were strengthened in clubs. Over time, membership in a particular organization became a kind of a label, which emphasized belonging to elite circles.

Popularity in our times:

It is said if you want to promote something, simply write: Members Only (for club members only). In many circumstances, the fact that an organization is closed and inaccessible is the best proof of reputation and the best incentive to seek to get there. Now, a queue to some clubs can last for 15 years, but the resulting place is almost forever, it can be transferred by succession. But one can lose it if becomes bail for an unreliable candidate. Some clubs require recommendations of at least two card-carrying people, but even if any the question at general elections may be decided against the candidate. In this case, the membership of two endorsers would be suspended. In such a manner, the cost of suretyship becomes so high that it can guarantee quality.

Today, everyone can try their hand and try to get into the oldest London clubs, such as:

  1. White's,

Famous club members: Princes Charles and William.

  1. Boodle's,

Famous club members: Princes Charles and William.

  1. Blacks,

Famous club members: Keira Knightley, Joshua Reynolds.

  1. The Garrick Club,

Famous club members: Stephen Fry, Herbert Wells, Charles Dickens.

  1. The Arts Club,

Famous club members: Charles Dickens, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Cattrall, Ron Wood.

Translate: Global Translation Services 1+1

 

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