Spencer House - a fine 18th Century town house built for the 1st Earl Spencer. Designed by John Vardy and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, as a sumptuous private residence for lavish entertaining. With one of the first neo-classical interiors in Europe the building is of unique importance in the history of English architecture. The House displays a significant collection of specially assembled paintings and furniture.
Reform Club - not generally open to the public, this ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ opened in 1841 in Pall Mall, the centre of London’s Clubland. Membership was restricted to supporters of the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early members developed the Club as the political HQ of the Liberal Party. Today it is not political and in 1981 was one of the first to have women members. The architecture by Charles Barry was inspired by his tour of Italy.
Dress code – gentlemen closed neck shirt and tie. Ladies equivalent dress. No jeans.
There are 14 concrete steps to the entrance and more concrete and carpeted stairs within.
Note: Visit limited to 40 people
ITINERARY
Depart Old Amersham (Tesco lay-by) 08.45
Coffee (included) 10.30
Guided tour of Spencer House (2 groups) 11.00
Lunch at own expense and walk to Reform Club 12.00 approx
Meet at Reform Club 14.00
Guided tour of Reform Club (2 groups) 14.15/14.35
Tea (included) 15.15 approx
Departure 16.15
Return to Old Amersham 17.45
BOOKING OPENS 5 July 2018