National Sporting Club

The club built up a great tradition of sportsmanship and fair play and predominately ran boxing Uk and throughout the world.

In 1909, the club's president introduced the Lonsdale Belt as a prize to be awarded to the British champion at each weight.

As a result, the club was forced to open its doors to the public in October 1928.

In 1930 to try to revive the club's fortunes, and there were ambitious plans to build new headquarters but these came to nothing.

In 1936, an enthusiast, John Harding, set up a new committee, which took over the Empress Hall and put on boxing shows there.