Savage Club
The Savage Club, founded in 1857, is a gentlemen's club in London. An associated Masonic lodge was established in 1887.
History
The founding meeting of the Savage Club took place on 12 October 1857, at the Crown Tavern, Vinegar Yard, Drury Lane, after a letter by pro tempore honorary secretary George Augustus Henry Sala [1] was sent to prospective members. The letter advised it would be 'a meeting of gentlemen connected with literature and the fine arts, and warmly interested in the promotion of Christian knowledge, and the sale of excisable liquors' with a view to 'forming a social society or club'. The inaugural gathering would also decide upon the new association's 'suitable designation'
The club today
In 1962, the club had around 1,000 members, at present, there are over 300. The club maintains a tradition of regular dinners for members and their guests, always followed by entertainment, often featuring distinguished musical performers from the club's membership. Several times a year members invite ladies to share both the dinner and the entertainment-sometimes as performers. On these occasions, guests always include widows of former Savages, who are known as Rosemaries (after rosemary, a symbol of remembrance).
There are also monthly lunches, which are followed by a talk given by a member or an invited guest on a subject of which he has specific expert knowledge.
Membership
Members are classified into one of six categories that best describe their main interests: art, drama, law, literature, music, or science. They must be proposed and seconded by two existing members, and if unknown by any other members, are required to attend a club function in order to meet some members. The category of membership might mirror a member's profession, though there are many members with an interest in one or more of the membership categories, but who practice none professionally. There is a range of membership fees depending on the membership category.
During the weekend, members are permitted to use the East India Club in St James's Square. There are also reciprocal arrangements with other clubs internationally. Members of the Savage club may also use the accommodation at the Savile, Farmers, Lansdowne and Cavendish Clubs.
See also [ List of London's gentlemen's clubs ]
References
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