24
The Hurlingham Club Past & Present

Hurlington History

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Hurlington History Brochure

Citation preview

Page 1: Hurlington History

1

islington squares

The Hurlingham Club

Past & Present

Page 2: Hurlington History

chestertonhumberts.com

2

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

Page 3: Hurlington History

3

islington squares

Introduction

3

the hurlingham club

The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, south west

London has long being a popular private club,

with river views, excellent sports facilities and

of course the grand Hurlingham House at its

heart. However, it was the Club’s association

with polo that brought it to the attention of the

world and certainly the social set of Victorian

and Edwardian Britain.

Today, the Club still continues to offer members

excellent sport facilities, but since 1939 the very

sport that contributed to its fame was no longer

played at Hurlingham – that is, until 2009

when the organisers of MINT Polo in the Park

brought the game back home.

Once part of the original Hurlingham Estate,

but more specifically polo field no. 1,

Hurlingham Park (as it’s named now) used to

host the Club’s weekly polo fixtures, gathering

huge crowds throughout the summer months.

Nowadays, Hurlingham Park is a public

recreational and sporting field but once a

year in June, along with The Hurlingham Club,

it hosts something very special…

Europe’s fastest growing polo tournament;

MINT Polo in the Park.

Six teams, each representing global cities, play

over a 3 day period using slightly adapted rules,

for the much coveted MINT Trophy.

This new form of polo revived the long tradition

of the game at Hurlingham, dating back to

1874. However, the history of the house and

the Hurlingham Club extend back to the 18th

century and beyond. This brochure offers an

historical overview of Hurlingham.

Page 4: Hurlington History

Early History

4

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

Early HistoryEarly History

the hurlingham club

4

the hurlingham clubthe hurlingham club

Until the 18th century, this portion of

the Fulham riverside was open fields and

orchards, with very few buildings between

the Bishops Palace and Fulham High Street,

near today’s Putney Bridge, and the village of

Broomhouse, near today’s Broomhouse Lane.

The land, known as Hurlingham Field,

was part of the manor of the Bishops of

London, dating back to before the Norman

Conquest in 1066. The Bishops Palace was

used as a home for the Bishops of London for

over 900 years until the 1970s. The first mention

of Hurlingham appeared in the manor rolls

in 1489 with a number of spellings, including

‘Hurlyngholdfeld’ and ‘Hurnyghamfeld’.

Because of its isolation, during the 17th century,

Hurlingham became the site of a ‘pest-house’ or

isolation hospital for sufferers of the plague. In

fact, it is believed that the area near the lake was

used for a plague pit for the hundreds of people

who died of the Black Death from the 1630s,

until as late as the 1730s. From around 1670 the

pest house was used as accommodation for the

poor, along with some additional almshouses,

these were the only buildings in the area until

the mid 18th century.

In 1693, King William and Queen Mary

introduced an act that allowed the Bishops

to grant leases, which made the way for

new houses to be built in the open fields of

Hurlingham. After this time, there were a

number of large country houses built along the

riverside, constructed as retreats for the wealthy,

away from the cramped and polluted city of

London. The location was also ideal because of

the construction of the first (wooden)

Putney Bridge in 1729.

The first wooden Putney Bridge

Image by kind permission of The Hurlingham ClubReproduced by permission of English Heritage. NMR

Page 5: Hurlington History

5

islington squares

5

the hurlingham clubOrdnance Survey map 1865

Page 6: Hurlington History

chestertonhumberts.com

6

The House

The first house to be constructed on Hurlingham

Field was for Dr William Cadogan who leased

nine acres in 1760 to build a ‘cottage’, which is

the core of today’s Hurlingham House. Cadogan

was a successful physician and Governor of the

Foundling Hospital. He is most remembered for

his dissertation on gout and chronic diseases, as

well as his essay on the nursing and management

of children, given in 1748. During Cadogan’s time

at Hurlingham he had many prominent visitors,

including writer, Richard Brinsley Sheridan and

actor, David Garrick. Looking at today’s house,

the north front, along with the bow–fronted

Ante Room and Reading Room are believed

to be part of Cadogan’s original house.

After Cadogan passed away in 1797, the lease

for Hurlingham was taken by John Ellis, who

employed architect, George Byfield to transform

the small country house into the neo-classical

mansion that we see today. In 1800, Ellis acquired

the freehold for Hurlingham, along with an

additional 11 acres of land and the transformation

of the house by Byfield was completed in 1803.

Along with extending the house, Ellis also sought

advice on the grounds and gardens from renowned

landscape gardener, Humphrey Repton.

Since the 17th century, the Ellis family had

been plantation owners in Jamaica and held a

number of prominent positions in the Colonial

Government there. John Ellis’ brother, Charles

was a good friend of George Canning, who later

became Prime Minister. In fact, Charles Ellis

was Canning’s second in his famous duel with

Lord Castlereagh in 1809. Canning is believed

to have often visited John and Charles Ellis at

Hurlingham during the early 1800s, and it is also

understood that Lord Admiral Nelson and Lady

Hamilton may also have visited Hurlingham

during this time.

By 1807, Ellis had sold the Hurlingham estate to

George O’Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont,

and Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, whose country

seat was Petworth in Sussex. However, within a

few years Wyndham leased the house to his former

tutor, the Right Reverend Euseby Cleaver,

Archbishop of Dublin, who was also known

as the ‘mad Archbishop’.

By 1820, Lord Egremont sold Hurlingham to

John Horsely Palmer, a merchant with the East

India Company, who later became the Governor

of the Bank of England. Palmer extended the

Hurlingham estate by adding a further

16 acres, but in the mid 1830s he let the estate to

Richard, Marquess Wellesley, elder brother of the

Duke of Wellington. The Duke of Wellington

is understood to have visited his brother at

Hurlingham during this time. Palmer retained

Hurlingham until 1858 when his executors sold

the house and estate to Richard Christopher

Naylor, who was also a banker, as well as a

racehorse owner, whose horse ‘Macaroni’ won

the Derby in 1863. Naylor lived at Hurlingham

until 1867 when he leased it to Frank Heathcote

who was keen to establish pigeon-shooting at

Hurlingham. He gained permission from Naylor

and within a couple of years established the

Hurlingham Club.

the hurlingham club

Page 7: Hurlington History

7

the hurlingham club

7

the hurlingham club

In 1797, the lease for Hurlingham was taken by John Ellis, who employed architect, George Byfield to transform the small country house into the neo-classical mansion that we see today.

Image by kind permission of The Hurlingham Club

Page 8: Hurlington History

8

chestertonhumberts.com

Mulgrave House and Broom House

Image by kind permission of The Hurlingham Club

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Hurlingham

House was adjacent to two further country

houses. Mulgrave House and Little Mulgrave

House were located to the west and Broom

House located on the east. The grounds of the

Mulgrave Estate ran from Hurlingham Road all

the way down to the river, encompassing the lake,

where the tennis courts and swimming pool are

located today. In fact, it is believed that between

1769 and 1772 Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was

responsible for the creation of the lake.

Little Mulgrave House was built around 1715

and was formerly home to Sir Philip Stephens,

Secretary of the Admiralty. It was during this

time that it is believed explorer, Captain James

Cook would visit and it has been suggested that

the great plane tree overshadowing the lake was

actually planted by Captain Cook. Mulgrave

House was completed in 1741 and home to a

number of notable residents. The Mulgrave estate

was later leased by the Hurlingham Club in 1879

and used as a home for the polo manager and

accommodation for visiting polo players.

Broom House was built in 1768 and formerly

stood in the south east corner, between the

river Thames and Broomhouse Lane. From the

1820s, Broom House was the home of Elizabeth

Temple, wife of Laurence Sulivan, Under

Secretary of State for War, and she was also the

sister of Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston.

the hurlingham club

Page 9: Hurlington History

9

the hurlingham club

9

the hurlingham clubImage by kind permission of The Hurlingham Club

Page 10: Hurlington History

10

islington squares chestertonhumberts.com

The formation of Hurlingham Club

The records show that a ten year lease was

signed between Naylor and the Trustees of

the Club, Viscount Holmesdale, Sir Charles

Mordaunt, Bt, and Francis Heathcote in 1869,

back dated to March 1868. However, the first

recorded Club committee meeting took place in

February 1869 and it is from this date that the

Club takes as the official foundation date.

When Hurlingham Club was established, it was

created with the purpose of being an ‘agreeable

country resort’ as well as for the sport of pigeon

shooting. The Club was originally only open

from April to August, but it soon became a

popular resort during the season. There were

shooting and non-shooting members, and each

was allowed to introduce one lady guest without

further payment. By the early 1870s, the Club

had almost 800 members, of whom only 283

were shooting members, but at this time, pigeon-

shooting was still the only outdoor activity.

The Hurlingham Club had royal connections

from the start, with the Prince of Wales and

the Duke of Cambridge invited to become

honorary members, along with the Duke of

Edinburgh. Even, the exiled Emperor Napoleon

III was invited to make use of the Club.

The original Hurlingham estate only covered

a portion of what it became prior to World

War II, with successive additions throughout

the 19th and early 20th centuries. The trustees

of the Club were able to purchase the freehold

for Hurlingham in 1874 and set about the

introduction of the first polo ground. By 1879,

the Club leased Mulgrave House and its

13 acres from the 7th Lord Ranelagh.

As a pigeon-shooting Club, Hurlingham

attracted many high-profile members and

visitors, but it was the introduction of polo that

saw the Club rise to become one of the most

popular places to visit during the London

season. This, combined with the Club’s royal

patrons, including the Prince of Wales

(later Edward VII,) ensured its status

and prominence.

In 1875, the rule book stated the aims of

the Club as “instituted for the purpose of

providing a ground for pigeon shooting, polo

etc. Surrounded with such accessories and so

situated as to render it an agreeable country

resort, not alone to those who take part in

pigeon shooting and polo, but also to their

families and friends.”

During the Victorian and Edwardian period,

the Club consisted of Hurlingham House,

where members could dine, along with the

polo pavilion, the polo ground and stabling

for 75 polo ponies. There was also the pigeon-

shooting pavilion and enclosure, as well as the

10

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

The formation of Hurlingham ClubThe formation of Hurlingham Club

The Hurlingham Club had royal connections

from the start, with the Prince of Wales and

the Duke of Cambridge invited to become

The formation of Hurlingham Club

The Hurlingham Club had royal connections

from the start, with the Prince of Wales and

The formation of Hurlingham Club

The Hurlingham Club had royal connections

from the start, with the Prince of Wales and

the Duke of Cambridge invited to become

honorary members, along with the Duke of

Edinburgh. Even, the exiled Emperor Napoleon

III was invited to make use of the Club.

The original Hurlingham estate only covered

a portion of what it became prior to World

Page 11: Hurlington History

11

islington squares

introduction of new sports facilities such as

tennis courts and the grounds, with ornamental

lake and flower gardens. The Club became a

popular spot to watch polo and meet friends,

as well as have dinner and teas and listen to

bands during the season.

At the turn of the 20th century there were some

significant changes at Hurlingham. Edward

VII, who was already an active member, often

visiting with his ‘set’, became patron after the

death of Queen Victoria. By December 1905

pigeon shooting was discontinued and the

shooting ground became a tea ground.

Hurlingham remained at the heart of the London

social season during the Edwardian era. Honorary

members included the Prince of Wales, later

Edward VIII, as well as Winston Churchill, the

King of Spain and the Duke of York. Other key

events brought high-profile guests to the Club.

11

the hurlingham club

King of Spain and the Duke of York. Other key

events brought high-profile guests to the Club.events brought high-profile guests to the Club.events brought high-profile guests to the Club.

Hurlingham remained at the heart of the London

social season during the Edwardian era. Honorary

members included the Prince of Wales, later

Edward VIII, as well as Winston Churchill, the

King of Spain and the Duke of York. Other key

events brought high-profile guests to the Club.

Nowhere is a more picturesque gathering of beautiful women and handsome men to be seen than at Hurlingham on a fine afternoon during the London season.The Sketch June 26 1895

Image: Getty Images Gallery

Page 12: Hurlington History

12

islington squares chestertonhumberts.comchestertonhumberts.comthe hurlingham club

12

...the classic Hurlingham day was to drive down to the Club in carriage or cab, take part in or watch an ‘event’, have tea in front of the Club House, listen to the band, meet and chat to friends in ‘society’ and go home by moonlight; thus fulfilling Frank Heathcote’s original purpose in founding the Club, namely to stage sporting competitions in beautiful surroundings where ladies would accompany their gentleman to watch.

History of Hurlingham (500-2000) Nigel Miskin, August 2000

Image by kind permission of Hammersmith & Fulham Archives and Local History Centre

Page 13: Hurlington History

13

islington squares

13

the hurlingham club

Improvements and extensionsThroughout the life of Hurlingham, it has been

extended and altered a number of times.

The most dramatic was the change from the

18th century ‘cottage’ to the neo-Classical

house we see today, but there have been other

changes, including those by Colonel Sir Robert

Edis, the Club architect in the 1880s, who also

worked on alterations to the Royal residence at

Sandringham and was also responsible for

the designs of The Grand Central Hotel,

now the Landmark Hotel, in Marylebone.

However, Edis is most often remembered for

his service to the Artists Rifles, a volunteer

regiment of the British Army. He was knighted

for his services with the Artists Rifles in 1919.

One of the most significant alterations made

to the house was undertaken by renowned

architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1906. Lutyens

is often remembered for his work in New Delhi,

as well as many war memorials, including the

cenotaph in Whitehall. Lutyens was engaged

to make the changes, which included the

enlargement of the main entrance and access

to the house, also creating the Long Gallery,

the main staircase and the corridor to the

Long Dining Room. Lutyens continued as

the Hurlingham Club architect until 1912.

Significantly, the Hurlingham estate was also

extended by the acquisitions of neighbouring

property. Firstly, the Mulgrave estate was

acquired in 1896, although it had already

been leased since 1879. It was available for

members to rent with ‘six bedrooms available,

for members...inclusive o f bath’ and also

‘accommodation for valets’. However, by 1927

it was found to be full of dry rot and it was

demolished by the end of that year.

The second significant acquisition was that

of Broom House after the death of Miss

Charlotte Sulivan in May 1911. The house and

surrounding land was purchased by April 1912

and added a further 80 acres to the Hurlingham

Club. The house was later demolished and made

room for further sports grounds and is where

the cricket pitch is situated today.

Page 14: Hurlington History

Polo

14

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.comchestertonhumberts.com

The game of polo originated in Persia, but it

was in India that it became popular, flourishing

amongst the colonial administrators and the

military. However, it wasn’t until 1869 that

polo first came to England when the 10th

Hussars challenged the 9th Lancers to a

game on Hounslow Heath.

As early as 1872, Club manager, Captain the

Hon D.J. Monson talked about introducing

the new game of polo to Hurlingham, but

the Club had to negotiate the purchase

of the Hurlingham freehold from Naylor.

Through the support of Lord De L’Isle and

Dudley, Colonel Dudley Carleton, later Lord

Dorchester, Lord Amherst, and others, but

under the direct supervision of Captain the

Hon D.J. Monson (who had been manager

since 1870), polo saw such a successful

introduction at Hurlingham.

The first game of polo played at Hurlingham

was on Saturday 6th June, 1874 between the

Royal Horse Guards and the Monmouthshire

Polo Club. It drew a large crowd of spectators,

including the Prince and Princess of Wales

and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The first goal was scored by the Marquess of

Worcester, later the Duke of Beaufort.

Along with the first match being played at

Hurlingham in 1874, the rules of the game

were drawn up by the Hurlingham Club

committee and published in 1875. From that

time onwards Hurlingham was synonymous

with polo and the controlling body for polo

remains the Hurlingham Polo Association.

The Club became the headquarters of polo

for the British Empire and was the location

for major competitions, including the annual

Champion Cup, inaugurated in 1876, as well as

the Westchester Cup matches between England

and the United States. The Cup was presented

by the Westchester Polo Club of Newport,

Rhode Island in the United States in 1886 and

was also known as the ‘America Cup’. Other key

competitions included the Inter-Regimental

and County Cup tournaments which began in

1878, along with the match between Oxford

and Cambridge. They all became annual events,

in addition to many Club matches.

Along with being at the centre of the game

of polo in England, the Hurlingham Club

continued to offer social delights for members

and their guests. In 1887, the year of Queen

Victoria’s Jubilee, Hurlingham was visited by

many members of British royalty, as well as

royalty and aristocracy from across the world,

including the King of Denmark,the King and

Queen of the Belgians, The Prince Komatsu

of Japan and The Crown Prince and Princess

of Portugal. Such high-profile guests were a

common sight at other times, including King

Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who would

visit for the occasional polo match.

Page 15: Hurlington History

15

islington squaresImage by kind permission of Islington Local History Centre

15

the hurlingham clubImage courtesy of Mary Evans Picture Library

“Hurlingham on June 18, 1921 was watched by the King and Queen, with many other royalties, and a great gathering of society”

Illustrated London News, June 25, 1921

Page 16: Hurlington History

Polo

16

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

The success of polo inspired further events,

including polo pony races, pony and hack

shows and it also provoked expansion of the

polo facilities. The first polo pavilion was built

in 1876 and additional stabling for polo ponies

in 1886. At one time the Club offered stabling

for fifty horses and 200 polo ponies. For 20

years the Club only had the one polo ground,

but in 1894 the Club acquired No.2 polo

ground and the first matches were played in

May 1895. A grand new polo grand stand was

built at No.1 polo ground in 1934. With 2,600

seats it was ready for a polo audience by May

1935 and the old stand and pavilion, formerly

near Broomhouse lane, was pulled down.

However, additional smaller stands were also

added with seating for 1,200 people.

In 1908, the Club presented a Challenge Cup

to the winning team in the polo event at the

London Olympics. The trophy, designed by

the Goldsmiths Company, was won by the

Roehampton team, but under the terms of the

Deed of Gift it was returned to Hurlingham

in 1912 and has remained in the Club since.

In 1924, the Club celebrated the 50th

anniversary of polo at Hurlingham. There was

a Jubilee match, Hurlingham vs. the Army,

as well as a dance on the 7th June. That years’

season also featured the Inter-University

Match, Champion and Inter-Regimental

Cups, as well as Pony Polo shows and a ladies

Gymkhana. In 1935, the Inter-Regimental

polo tournament was played for the 50th time

and the Maharajah of Kashmir brought over

fifteen teams to compete.

Page 17: Hurlington History

17

islington squaresImage by kind permission of Islington Local History Centre

17

the hurlingham club

Hurlingham was the cradle and home of English polo and for sixty-five years the game flourished there and made the name of the Club famous all over the polo-playing world. A favourite resort during the summer season, thousands flocked to Hurlingham to watch the more important matches.The Hurlingham Club by Captain Taprell Dorling, 1953

Images by kind permission of Hammersmith & Fulham Archives and Local History Centre

Page 18: Hurlington History

18

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

Although the Hurlingham Club began with

pigeon-shooting and became most famous for

its connection with polo, it did offer a number

of other sports and activities. One of the key

activities at Hurlingham, which carries on

today is tennis. Lawn tennis began to receive

popular attention in the 1870s, with the first

mention in The Field in March 1874 and the

first ‘All England’ (Wimbledon) tournament

starting in July 1877. Tennis was first introduced

to Hurlingham in the 1880s and soon became

a core sport for the Club. During the early period,

racquets were available for hire at 2s 6d a time.

Other sports established at Hurlingham

include croquet, which was introduced around

1900. The Club remains the venue for the

Croquet Association’s Tournaments. Another

sport was lacrosse, with the first game played

on the polo ground between two Canadian

teams on 3rd June 1876.

Golf at Hurlingham was first suggested in

1893 and a nine hole course was opened on

6th October, 1894. It was many years later,

in 1925 that an 18 hole putting course was

laid out. Another key attraction during the

late 19th and early 20th centuries were the

balloon contests organised by the Royal Aero

Club. The list of sports and events continued

with fencing, archery, skittles, wrestling,

baseball and motor-car rallies. There was even

a steeplechase event, known as ‘The Victoria

Cross’ in the late 1890s, in which horses and

riders had to jump various fences and the rider

(after tying his horse to a tree) had to ferry a

‘dead body’ by boat across the lake and back.

Hurlingham was also the location for a

number of fetes, including those held to

celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilees in 1887

and 1897. There were also Boys Scouts

Association rallies (Lord Baden-Powell had

been a member since 1904) held in 1911 and

1914, plays and concerts, bridge, bowls, squash,

archery and even model aircraft displays.

The annual Eton and Harrow Ball (renamed

the Hurlingham Ball in 1950), was a key event

in the social calendar. The ball was such a

popular event that gate-crashing was rife, which

included people entering from all sides of the

grounds – including the river, when Putney boat

men rowed the gate crashers over specially.

There were many other parties and events,

including the annual Indian Empire Garden

Parties, the Royal Artillery Garden Party and

the Army Lawn Tennis Tournaments. From

1931, the Cambridge Boat Race crew were

accommodated at the Club for two weeks prior

to the race. One of the grandest events was

the British Commonwealth and Empire Ball

held on the 7th July 1953 (a few weeks after

the coronation) organised by the Royal Empire

Society, the Victoria League and the Overseas

League and attended by HM Queen Elizabeth

II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Racquets, clubs and balloons at Hurlingham

Page 19: Hurlington History

19

islington squares

19

the hurlingham clubImage: Getty Images Gallery

Page 20: Hurlington History

20

the hurlingham club chestertonhumberts.com

Two World Wars

Hurlingham Club has long had close ties with

the military and the Club was made available

for servicemen and women throughout both

wars. During World War I, the 3rd Reserve

county of London Yeomanry were stationed at

the Club from October 1914. Later, the 12th

Royal Lancers were also accommodated at the

Club and then in 1915 they were replaced by

the Norfolk Yeomanry. The Royal Naval Air

Service also used the No.1 polo ground for a

balloon detachment.

The affect on Hurlingham Club during World

War II was more significant, but throughout all

the difficulties, the Club continued to operate.

Around 450 officers and men from the Army and

Royal Air Force were quartered at Hurlingham,

along with an anti-aircraft battery on No.2 polo

ground, as well as a balloon barrage unit. The

close proximity to the river meant Hurlingham

was more at risk and it withstood 27 bombs

and a landmine. There was slight bomb damage,

including the demolition of the conservatory on

the west side and the crystal dome on the east.

On one particular occasion all the windows on

the river side were blown in by the heavy blast

of a ‘doodle-bug’ which fell in Wandsworth.

By 1942, most of the army occupation had

ended, but No.1 polo ground had been turned

into 350 allotments.

Despite the hardships suffered by many during

the war, there were two regular fixtures at

Hurlingham. Firstly, the Hurlingham Club

orchestra played every Saturday and Sunday

from May to September and there were

regular putting competitions. Hurlingham

survived because of the many military and civil

staff members based in London who found

Hurlingham offered an escape within easy

access, essential due to the limited fuel supplies.

Reduced membership fees and complimentary

passes were also offered to the staffs of the

Allied and foreign embassies in London and

the officers of Allied armed forces.

Between the wars

During the 1920s and 30s it took a while for

the Club to recover from the affects of World

War I and the impact of the Great Depression,

but the Club was able to expand and ran much

as it did before the war. Improvements included

the outdoor swimming pool, built in 1933 and

the squash courts, built in 1934. In 1935, special

celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of George V

brought honorary members such as foreign Prime

Ministers, as well as the American Davis Cup

team and the South African Cricket team.

The most significant event was the great Thames

flood of 1928 which covered the grounds in more

than six feet of water and reached the house.

The water rose to a height of nine inches on the

south wall of the Club house, flooding all the

reception rooms. The west lounge was flooded,

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

permanent embankment was constructed along

the riverbank, which is the embankment that we

see today with the riverside walk.

Momentous events

The water rose to a height of nine inches on the

south wall of the Club house, flooding all the

reception rooms. The west lounge was flooded,

south wall of the Club house, flooding all the

reception rooms. The west lounge was flooded,

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

The water rose to a height of nine inches on the

south wall of the Club house, flooding all the

reception rooms. The west lounge was flooded,

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

During the 1920s and 30s it took a while for During the 1920s and 30s it took a while for

the Club to recover from the affects of World

War I and the impact of the Great Depression,

but the Club was able to expand and ran much

as it did before the war. Improvements included

the outdoor swimming pool, built in 1933 and

the squash courts, built in 1934. In 1935, special

but the Club was able to expand and ran much

as it did before the war. Improvements included

the outdoor swimming pool, built in 1933 and

the squash courts, built in 1934. In 1935, special

celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of George V

brought honorary members such as foreign Prime

Ministers, as well as the American Davis Cup

During the 1920s and 30s it took a while for

the Club to recover from the affects of World

War I and the impact of the Great Depression,

but the Club was able to expand and ran much

as it did before the war. Improvements included

the outdoor swimming pool, built in 1933 and

the squash courts, built in 1934. In 1935, special

celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of George V

brought honorary members such as foreign Prime

Ministers, as well as the American Davis Cup

team and the South African Cricket team.

The most significant event was the great Thames

flood of 1928 which covered the grounds in more

than six feet of water and reached the house.

The water rose to a height of nine inches on the

south wall of the Club house, flooding all the

reception rooms. The west lounge was flooded,

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

chestertonhumberts.com

permanent embankment was constructed along

the riverbank, which is the embankment that we

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

permanent embankment was constructed along

the riverbank, which is the embankment that we

On one particular occasion all the windows on

the river side were blown in by the heavy blast

of a ‘doodle-bug’ which fell in Wandsworth.

By 1942, most of the army occupation had

ended, but No.1 polo ground had been turned

into 350 allotments.

Despite the hardships suffered by many during

the war, there were two regular fixtures at

Hurlingham. Firstly, the Hurlingham Club

orchestra played every Saturday and Sunday

from May to September and there were

regular putting competitions. Hurlingham

survived because of the many military and civil

staff members based in London who found

Hurlingham offered an escape within easy

access, essential due to the limited fuel supplies.

Reduced membership fees and complimentary

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

chestertonhumberts.com

permanent embankment was constructed along

the riverbank, which is the embankment that we

see today with the riverside walk.

Momentous eventsMomentous events

On one particular occasion all the windows on

the river side were blown in by the heavy blast

of a ‘doodle-bug’ which fell in Wandsworth.

By 1942, most of the army occupation had

ended, but No.1 polo ground had been turned

Despite the hardships suffered by many during

the war, there were two regular fixtures at

Hurlingham. Firstly, the Hurlingham Club

orchestra played every Saturday and Sunday

from May to September and there were

regular putting competitions. Hurlingham

survived because of the many military and civil

staff members based in London who found

access, essential due to the limited fuel supplies.

the kitchen and adjoining store rooms flooded

to a depth of 30 inches and the cellars to a depth

of four feet two inches. After the flood, a higher

chestertonhumberts.com

permanent embankment was constructed along

the riverbank, which is the embankment that we

see today with the riverside walk.

Momentous events

Page 21: Hurlington History

2121

the hurlingham club

The end of polo at Hurlingham

In 1946, the London County Council sought

a compulsory purchase of the whole estate,

including the house. The trustees managed

to negotiate to save Hurlingham House and

surrounding buildings, but both polo grounds

were lost. After being used for allotments

throughout the war, No.1 polo ground officially

became a public sports ground, Hurlingham

Park, in October 1952. No.2 polo ground was

used for new council housing, where Sulivan

Court is situated today.

Despite the departure of polo from

Hurlingham, other activities flourished.

The pony exercise track was transformed

into the cricket field and the Croquet

association had its headquarters at

Hurlingham from 1959 until 2002.

After a 70 year absence from Hurlingham,

polo had a grand return in 2009, with the

launch of MINT Polo in the Park.

Described as a ‘high octane, fast moving and

dynamic sport’, MINT Polo in the Park uses an

adapted form of the game to create a new form

of the sport to attract a new audience to this

historic game.

Images by kind permission of The Hurlingham Club and MINT Polo in the Park

Page 22: Hurlington History

22

chestertonhumberts.com

the historian

At Chesterton Humberts we understand the

importance of national heritage, with our own

history dating back to 1805.

Chesterton Humberts greatly value the history

of houses and the insight they give to the lives of

our ancestors and our nation’s social history. As

well as being property experts we believe that it is

important to understand our history – to support

this we employ our own in-house historian to

bring the history of property to life. Chesterton

Humberts is the only UK estate agent to offer this

unique service.

The Chesterton Humberts historian is responsible

for uncovering and bringing to life the stories

behind each house, as well as giving insight into

the history of local areas and streets.

On homes where the history is deemed

particularly valuable, historical information is

made available within property details. Historical

information such as former residents, when the

house was built, how the area developed, and even

any significant events in the house are used to

give an insight into the history of the house and

the people who have lived there.

Along with providing an historical overview of

the house, the Chesterton Humberts historian

works closely with our marketing team and

journalists with a view to generating additional

publicity for the property. Whether the home

of a famous resident, striking architecture or an

association with an historic event, the historian

can offer a unique perspective that may generate

further media coverage.

People are increasingly interested in knowing

more about the history of their house or the

house they hope to live in. Most people have

walked along a street and noticed a blue plaque

or a particular building and wondered how long it

has been there or what it may have been hundreds

of years ago. The Chesterton Humberts historian

can give an insight to these mysteries and an

overview of the life of a house and the people

who have called it home.

melanie backe-hansen

Specialist in researching the history of houses.Chesterton Humberts is the only estate agent to employ a full time house historian.

Read Melanie’s blog athttp://property-blog.chestertonhumberts.com/or follow Melanie on twitterhttp://twitter.com/househistorian

melanie backe-hansen

the hurlingham club

Page 23: Hurlington History

Image by kind permission of Hammersmith & Fulham Archives and Local History Centre

23

Page 24: Hurlington History

24

islington squares chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Fulham Munster Road Office191 Munster RdFulham London sw6 6bysalest: 020 7471 [email protected]

Fulham New Kings Road Office78 New Kings RoadFulham London sw6 4ltsalest: 020 7731 [email protected]: 020 7348 [email protected]

Fulham Road Office654 Fulham RoadFulham London sw6 5rusalest: 020 7384 [email protected]: 0207 384 [email protected]