Opened in 1836, the Reform Club was originally a very closed political circle that originated with the Great Reform Act of 1832.
Opened in 1836, the Reform Club was originally a very closed political circle that originated with the Great Reform Act of 1832.
The front façade was inspired by the Palazzo Farnese, a high Renaissance palace in Rome that was home to many architects, including Michelangelo.
It was not until 1920 that the club opened to a completely different audience, becoming a social circle, still private but less selective.
Until 1977, the membership fee was the most expensive in London.
In 1981, the club ceased to be exclusively male and opened to the female public.
Famous members of the club include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Winston Churchill, Henry James and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
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