It’s perhaps one of Harrogate’s best kept secrets, a private members’ club first established in the 19th century, tucked away in one of the beautiful properties on Victoria Avenue.
But inside the walls that house The Harrogate Club, significant events are taking place; they’ve appointed their next club president and honorary secretary – and they’re both women.
Fiona Movley, the chair of Harrogate International Festivals, was elected as president by unopposed members’ vote on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, alongside Catherine Wormald who took up the mantle of honorary secretary.
This is the first time in the club’s history that a woman has held either position which is no small feat considering it has been in existence since 1857.
(L) Fiona Movley (R) Catherine Wormald
This appointment is timely, not in the least because another notable historical club, the Garrick in London, has recently announced that it is revising its men-only policy, which has been in place since 1831.
Following public backlash after a leaked list published by The Guardian revealed that many of the members were involved in promoting inclusivity and diversity – while being part of an organisation that has denied women acceptance for nearly 200 years – the notoriously secretive club had to break its silence on the matter.
In this respect, The Harrogate Club is ahead of the curve; women have been able to join since 2012 and to date, they have a diverse membership of nearly 200 people, with an age range from mid-twenties to mid-nineties.
However, Fiona’s recent presidential appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the club, and one that is another step forward for progression.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret, she explained:
“As the first female president of the Harrogate Club, along with Catherine Wormald, the first female honorary secretary, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in the Club’s rich history.
“Times have certainly changed. We have recently introduced a variety of new events and offerings to enhance the Club experience. The response has been wonderful, resulting in a surge of interest in membership, reaffirming The Club’s relevance and appeal.”
‘A public reading and news room’
Not only would a woman never have dared to darken the door of The Harrogate Club in the 19th century, but membership was strictly limited to wealthy, white men.
36 Victoria Avenue (Image: The Harrogate Club)
The club was first established in the lounge of Gascoigne’s Hotel on February 13, 1857, as a way for esteemed members of the Yorkshire business elite to meet up, read and discuss newspapers and journals.
It proved to be a popular concept, attracting the attention of businessmen across the region and beyond; so much so that the hotel built a billiard room for the club to enhance their entertainment options.
In 1885 the club moved to 36 Victoria Avenue, where its headquarters can still be found today. While it has still retained much of its historical charm and period features, there have been some modern updates throughout the years, such as the introduction of Wi-Fi.
That might not sound revolutionary, but many private clubs still don’t allow their members to use phones, and laptops have to be left at the door.
The club has still maintained its period features (Image: The Harrogate Club)
The Harrogate Club, however, puts the emphasis on being a social place where members have the option to chat, relax or quietly work – therefore internet access is a welcome inclusion.
Notable club members
One of the first members of The Harrogate Club was Sir Titus Salt, mayor of Bradford and the industrialist behind the creation of Salt Mill and Saltaire model village. He joined with his brother Henry in 1857.
Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect who designed many iconic Yorkshire buildings, including Leeds Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, and Scarborough’s Grand Hotel, also was known to attend, as was engineer and inventor Samson Fox.
It wasn’t just industrial giants; Arthur Conan Doyle’s name crops up in the visitor’s ledger, and it’s rumoured, although not confirmed, that J.R. Tolkien may have even crossed the threshold.
(L) Samson Fox (M) Titus Salt (R) Cuthbert Broderick (Image: The Harrogate Club)
Today, members come from a diverse range of businesses, backgrounds, and locations. Individuals don’t have to be a Harrogate resident to join – but there is a waiting list, and hopefuls have to be approved before they can count themselves amongst the ranks.
Present day and the future
It’s clear that The Harrogate Club has been through many changes over the years, transforming from an exclusive group for prominent gentlemen to a club that strives towards diversity, according to their newly appointed president.
While the opening of the club to female members in 2012 might still be classed as relatively recent history, many equivalent organisations up and down the country are still yet to take this step.
Now, with the appointment of the first female president and honour secretary, The Harrogate Club has reaffirmed their statement of intent to respect the club’s history, while adapting for the times.
Inside the dining room of The Harrogate Club (Image: The Harrogate Club)
Fiona added:
“Since 1857 the Club has provided a welcoming space for members to connect and exchange ideas. Preserving this tradition as a private members club is a priority for us, while also embracing diversity and celebrating the different cultures that make our club special.
“Today the club blends tradition with modern lifestyles, catering to all. It’s truly remarkable to think that the visionaries of Harrogate established the building as a club, and now, generations later, it continues to serve its original purpose.”
Read more:
- Local history spotlight: Blind Jack of Knaresborough
- Local history spotlight: Dr Laura Veale
- The Yorkshire cafes putting sustainability at the heart of their business
