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History of 116 Pall Mall

Historic painting of 116 Pall Mall

An Introduction

The history of 116 Pall Mall

This Grade I-listed building, opened in 1828, was designed by John Nash for the United Service Club. It has been home to the Institute of Directors since 1978.

1815

The United Service Club is founded

Lord Lynedoch, a hero of the Peninsular War who served under five monarchs and lived to the age of 95, met with 80 army generals to discuss the creation of a club where they could relax and meet with colleagues. Thus the United Service Club was born. Lord Lynedoch founder United Service Club 116 Pall Mall

Lord Lynedoch founder United Service Club 116 Pall Mall

1820

Carlton House ends. 116 Pall Mall begins.

The Prince of Wales vacates his London residence at Carlton House to prepare for his accession to the throne as George IV. Carlton House is demolished and celebrated Regency architect John Nash, who famously designed the Marble Arch and Brighton Pavilion, is commissioned to create a new building on the site of the new king’s former home. This will eventually become 116 Pall Mall.

1826

Building commences

Building work begins on 116 Pall Mall, which will become the new location for the United Service Club, which had outgrown its original home in Charles Street. It was also noted that the cellars were “too warm for French wine”.

1828

George IV's regency chandelier

The work takes two years and runs £7,000 over budget. The total bill now comes to £45,000 (£40m in today’s money). George IV donates a 15ft Regency chandelier, which still hangs above the main staircase, to commemorate victory in the Battle of Waterloo. 116 Pall Mall Regency Chandelier

1831

116 artwork

Among the many artworks purchased by the USC are two magnificent 16ft-wide oils depicting the battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar and portraits of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

1840

The 100 guinea bust of Lord Admiral Nelson

The USC purchases a marble bust of Lord Admiral Nelson for 100 guineas. It is said to be the only bust of Nelson created from life and still resides at 116 Pall Mall on a plinth made from part of HMS Victory. Bust of Lord Admiral Nelson at 116 Pall Mall

Bust of Lord Admiral Nelson at 116 Pall Mall

1842

116 Pall Mall undergoes a major makeover

Decimus Burton, a protégé of John Nash, is employed as architect to the club and instigates a complete redecoration along with some structural alterations. Burton’s other credits include The Athenaeum, which still stands opposite 116 across Waterloo Place.

1852

Duke of Wellington funeral progression

The funeral procession for the Duke of Wellington is routed to go past 116 Pall Mall, where he was a regular guest. All heads of foreign missions attending the funeral are invited to become USC members, regardless of rank. Duke of Wellington's funeral procession goes past 116 Pall Mall

Duke of Wellington's funeral procession goes past 116 Pall Mall

1858

Inner halls marble mosaic

The dramatic marble mosaic in the inner hall of 116 is laid down. It remains a listed and unchangeable feature of the building.

1939

Ian Fleming becomes a regular

Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, becomes a regular visitor during World War II while serving in the Naval Intelligence Division as Lieutenant Commander RNVR. Ian Fleming becomes a regular at 116 Pall Mall

1940

World War II strategy planning

Exiled Norwegian monarch, King Haakon, regularly meets his officers in the Smoking Room (which has since become The Restaurant) to plan strategy during World War II. Following the war, Haakon begins the annual tradition of Norway sending a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square as a thank-you gift to the UK.

1977

The USC leave, never to return

The USC falls on hard times and is declared insolvent. The members and staff walk out one night never to return and the building rapidly declines into a state of disrepair.

1978

The IoD moves into 116 Pall Mall

The IoD moves into 116 Pall Mall. One of the conditions of the sale is to retain the USC’s original fixtures and fittings.

1982

Oscar-winning epic Gandhi filmed at 116 Pall Mall

116 Pall Mall becomes the location for a number of famous films and TV dramas beginning with the Oscar-winning epic Gandhi. A scene depicting the Viceroy’s Office in India is filmed in the Nash Room. Oscar-winning epic Ghandia filmed at 116 Pall Mall

Oscar-winning epic Ghandia filmed at 116 Pall Mall

2004

Thatcher’s eulogy for Reagan

Margaret Thatcher’s eulogy for Ronald Reagan is filmed at 116 Pall Mall.

2008

The Dark Knight filming

A scene from the blockbuster Batman movie The Dark Knight is shot in The Brasserie. A scene from the The Dark Knight is shot in The Brasserie

2013

Bilateral trade talks

The IoD hosts bilateral trade talks between Chancellor George Osborne and China’s vice premier, Wang Qishan.

2015

Refurbishment

The dining areas and members’ lounges at 116 Pall Mall undergo a redesign and refurbishment as the venue looks to cater for the needs of modern business.

2016

London mayoral debate

The IoD hosts a heated London mayoral debate between the main candidates, Sadiq Khan for Labour and Zac Goldsmith of the Conservatives.

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