The club was formed out of the amalgamation of two 18th century Georgian clubs: The York and The New. They combined in the 19th century to form the Bath and County Club based on the exclusive London clubs.Â
It was used by its male members, many of whom were returning from service in the colonies, as a place to make useful connections and friends from local Bath society.
The club embraced the 20th century by inviting women to join in 1996 and many of its members are now female. Over the past few years the club has been proud to have a female Chair and President.
Seven gentlemen decided that Bath deemed a London style club so the existing York and New clubs were amalgamated to form Bath and County Club based at 21 Queens Square.
As the club was so popular full membership had to be restricted to 350. Opening hours were 9am until 1.am
The club was enlarged by taking on the lease of 21 and 22 Queen square.
To celebrate the Queens Jubilee family of members were allowed on club premises to watch the procession. A white ensign, Royal standard and Union Jack were hoisted.
The Queens daughter, Marchioness of Lorne, visited Bath and for the occasion ladies were admitted to the club.
It was agreed that £500 be spent on installing electric lighting. A club cigarette of first class quality was produced by Messrs Saxory, of London and sold for a penny each.
Members bicycles and tricycles no longer allowed on premises.
Prince of Monaco made Honorary member.
Although members did not approve of the telephone, it was finally accepted and installed.
Honorary membership was offered to Belgian officers billeted in Bath at outbreak of war. There were shortages of food, wine, beer and spirits: at least two days a week were known as 'potato days 'and the sale of alcohol was limited. Peat was burned instead of coal.
Although the club was in financial difficulties, members refused an offer of £400 and decided to convert the upper floors to provide accommodation for overnight guests.
Ladies were allowed to dine one evening per month.
Sunday rules relaxed and Bridge and Billiards allowed.
Female relatives were allowed to use the Strangers Room and take light refreshment.
Ladies were allowed to lunch and dine with members.
A Country membership was created and 25 fee free members were enrolled.
Club opening hours reduced because of staff shortages. Unlike WW1 no mention of food or alcohol shortages.
New members included the Marquis of Bath, Duke of Somerset, Earl of Westmorland and several members of parliament.
Club Centenary Year
The clubs strong military connection was reinforced when Lieut, General,Sir Francis Nosworthy (Colonel Commander, Royal Engineers), Brigadier A R Barker DSO. MC ( whose name was a legend to all Gurkhas), and Brigadier EXHaliman became members.
The demand for residential facilities, which for many years had brought in good revenue, fell away and it was no longer viable to open the bar in the evenings. In order to raise funds surplus furniture and effects were sold.
Spiralling maintenance costs and a fall in membership again raised the issue of selling 21 and 22 Queen square plus the Victorian extension facing Queens Parade. The club would then move in to the back premises fronting Queens Parade. Finally a sale for £111,000 was agreed with Intagrave Limited
The club was closed for several months while the premises were refurbished to create the existing club fronting Queens Parade.
The clubs 125th, anniversary marked an increase in membership to 300 and 70 ladies were Associate members. Mary Emerson as Hon Treasurer became an ex officio member of the committee.
Ladies finally admitted as full members. Clubs first computer arrived.
The clubs 150th anniversary was marked by a visit from his RH the Duke of Gloucester.
Refurbishment of the club was funded by loans from members.
