White's
White's is the oldest and most prestigious of the gentlemen's clubs, being founded in 1693 as a chocolate shop. Its Italian founder, Francisco Bianco, changed his name to Francis White and the club was named for him. Politically, the club was conservative, which led to having many Tory members. It is located at 37-38 St James' Street, London.
To become a member, a man must be proposed by a current member, and a system of black and white balls was used to vote on the prospective man's membership. A single black ball was enough to exclude him from becoming a member, giving rise to the term 'blackballed'. This system was not exclusive to White's, being used in other clubs.
Members
- Nicholas Gosling, Duke of Leighton
- Victor Kincaide, Viscount Hawksley
- Mr James Osborne
- John Quinn, Duke of Wycombe
- Walter Roydon, Earl of Wyck