Ever wondered what lies behind these walls at 127 Piccadilly? This is the Cavalry and Guards Club. It is a private club steeped in military history. Its membership consists of current and former officers of Guards and Cavalry regiments. These are from the British Army.
The Cavalry and Guards Club actually has three foundation dates. The first is 1810. This is the date of the Guards Club foundation. That club was originally based in Pall Mall. The second date is 1890. This marks the Cavalry Club foundation. It has always been at this location. Finally, in 1976 the two clubs merged.
The Cavalry Club first occupied this site in 1890. Initially, it was a proprietary club. An officer in the 20th Hussars owned it. Five years later, the members took ownership. It then became a members’ club. They raised funds for a new clubhouse.
The new Cavalry and Guards Club clubhouse was completed in 1908. The architecture firm Mewes and Davies carried out the work. They were also the architects of the Ritz Hotel.
Back in the 1920s and 1930s, Edward VIII frequented the Cavalry Club. He was the Prince of Wales back then. Other notable members include King Abdullah of Jordan. The Sultan of Brunei and Prince William have also been members here at the Cavalry and Guards Club.
This building has an interesting history even before the club. In 1715, a watchmaker named Abraham Isaacs occupied the site. By 1796, James Daniels, an auctioneer, had replaced Isaacs. It was said that Daniels could pick your pocket with his tongue. Later, it became a lodging-house. William Gunstone ran it. Mrs Isabella Moffat and William Yates then acquired the business. They ran it until the house’s demolition in 1875.
Sir John Puleston bought the new house built on the site. He was a City of London Lieutenant. He was also Constable of Caernarfon Castle. Furthermore, he chaired the City of London Conservative Association. Puleston served as a Member of Parliament for Devonport for 18 years.
Captain Weatherall of the 20th Hussars acquired 127 Piccadilly. He offered the premises to the Cavalry Club in 1890. The club expanded. It acquired leases for 125 and 126 Piccadilly. This led to the extensive refurbishments completed in 1909.
The Cavalry and Guards Club faced a threat in 1987. The landlord planned to convert the building into apartments. But the members raised the capital. They bought the property. The club was saved.
The Guards Club gave up its premises in Charles Street in 1975. It then merged with the Cavalry Club. The Guards Club brought fine military pictures with them. They also brought silver and 800 members. The Cavalry and Guards Club stands as a testament to military history.