THE doors of one of Clifton’s most prestigious buildings have been open to the public for the first time.
Number 22 The Mall is the home of the Clifton Club, believed to be Bristol’s oldest private independent club.
The building was designed by local architect Francis Greenway and built between 1806-11. Initially the Clifton Hotel and Assembly Rooms, it eventually became the home of the Clifton Club. The Assembly Rooms was the focus of literary Clifton where writers gathered for public readings of their work.
When the building was a hotel it was given the royal seal of approval when Princess Victoria – later to become Queen – visited in 1830 when she was 11 years old. She was on a tour with her mother, the Duchess of Kent. “Many people pass by the building each day and admire its wonderful facade but I doubt if many have seen the inside with its spacious rooms.
That’s why we’ve had an Open Day when visitors can wander around,” said Harriet Hancock, the club’s events manager.
Among items visitors were able to see were documents listing the club’s founder members. One of them was Gloucestershire Cricket Club’s legendary cricketing doctor, WG Grace, who for a while lived in Victoria Square not from from the Clifton Club.
The club has recently marked its 206th anniversary. It has more than 500 men and women members.
• The architect Greenway was transported to Australia after being convicted of forging a promissory note for £250 in connection with a building project in nearby Cornwallis Avenue.
