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The original gentlemen's clubs were established in the West End of London and the area of St. James's is still sometimes referred to as 'clubland', though not so often as in the past. Clubs took over the role occupied by Coffee House s in 18th century London to some degree and reached the height of their influence in the late 19th century. They were formed by groups of acquaintances who shared some interest or pursuit. Gambling , usually on cards, was central to the activities of many. Others were characterised by their members' interest in politics, literature, sport or some other pursuit. In other cases, the connection between the members was membership of the same branch of the armed forces, or a background at the same university. Some of the older clubs were highly aristocratic, but over time more and more were founded, and eventually any man with a credible claim to the status of " Gentleman " was able to find a club willing to admit him, unless his character was very objectionable in some way. This came to include professionals who had to earn their income. It should be noted that public entertainments, such as musical performances and the like, were not a feature of this sort of club. They were in effect "second homes" where men could relax, mix with their friends, play parlour games and get a meal. They allowed upper and upper-middle class men with modest incomes to spend their time in grand surroundings; the richer clubs were built by the same architects as the finest Country House s of the time, and had the same type of interiors. They were also a convenient retreat for men who wished to get away from their female relations. Many men spent much of their lives in their club, some of which even offered overnight accommodation. The class requirements softened gradually throughout the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries . In addition some of the clubs opened to women from the late 20th century. This was partly to help keep up membership levels. GENTLEMEN'S CLUBS TODAY While it is true that today gentleman's clubs are no longer as popular or influential as they once were, they have seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years. As the clubs opened up their membership requirements more women and middle class members have joined. More and more people in politics and business use clubs in the UK and around the world for debates and conferences on current affairs. The Commonwealth Club in London for example counts British Prime Minister Tony Blair , Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Australian Prime Minister John Howard as influential speakers who have spoken there. QUIRKS OF GENTLEMEN'S CLUBS Some clubs have highly specific membership requirements. For example the Caledonian Club in London requires "being of direct Scottish descent, that is to say, tracing descent from a Scottish father or mother, grandfather or grandmother" as well as "having, in the opinion of the Committee, the closest association with Scotland." Handlebar Club (London) members are required by its committee to own a handlebar moustache "with graspable extremities". OUTSIDE THE UNITED KINGDOM Clubs of this kind are found in a number of other countries, including many Commonwealth countries and the United States. SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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