Boodle's

Boodle's is a gentlemen's club in London, England, with its clubhouse located at 28 St James's Street.

Founded in January 1762 by Lord Shelburne, who later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and then 1st Marquess of Lansdowne, it is the second oldest private members' club in London and in the world.

The reason for this rearrangement is not known, but it may have been connected with members' differing political affiliations, or with the desire of some of them to gamble more heavily than the rules of 1762 permitted.

Edward Gibbon first mentions Boodle's in a letter of 18 April 1768, and he subsequently became a member of the club; starting in December 1769 he wrote much of his correspondence there, and in 1770 he was one of the managers.

Boodle's is regarded as one of the most prestigious clubs in London,[2] and counts many British aristocrats and notable politicians among its members.

[4] Early members were opponents of William Pitt the Elder’s foreign policies relating to the Seven Years' War, and political allies of Lord Shelburne.

Four members have been awarded the Victoria Cross and Sir Winston Churchill was one of the few people to be elected to honorary membership.

It is reputed that Beau Brummell's last bet took place at the Club before he fled the country to France.

In 1782 Boodle's took over the 'Savoir Vivre' clubhouse at 28 St James's Street, London, and has been located there ever since.

Boodle's
Boodle's