This book provides the first account of the rise of these most distinctive, widespread and powerful of social institutions in Georgian Britain. With roots in the early modern era, British clubs and societies swept the country by 1800, when they numbered in the thousands, and their influence continues today. Looking at the complex mosaic of clubs and societies, ranging from freemasonry to bird-fancying, the author considers the reasons for their successful development, their export to America and the colonies, and their impact on British Society.

• Introduction


• Emergence: to 1688


• National Expansion: 1688-1760


• An Associational World: 1760-1800


• Engines of Growth


• Membership


• Organization


• Regional and Ethnic Societies


• Freemasons


• Benefit Clubs


• Overseas


• Impact


• Conclusion