The idea of forming clubs for men to indulge in fraternity and conviviality goes back at least to Roman times, but it was perhaps from the late 16th and then through the 17th and 18th centuries in London, that clubs as we know them developed. The Bread Street Club founded by Sir Walter Raleigh, Ben Jonson's Apollo Club and later Dryden's Will's Club were among those of note from these years. In 1710, Joseph Addison commented on clubs wherein "the chief inhabitants of the street conversed together every night". Frequently these meetings were held in the coffee houses, or inns where the conviviality could be enhanced by alcohol.
Addison in the 'Spectator' also drew attention to one club he visited in which the rules included "None…
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