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History of 116

Home to the Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall is not only one of the most popular business and function venues in the capital but it is also a landmark of London’s great Georgian Heritage. The building is still owned by the Crown Estate and is Grade I listed which means that we are responsible for ensuring that the glory and heritage of the building, its décor and its contents are preserved and maintained for the benefit of club members and event users.

Did you know ...

  • John Nash, the famous and fashionable 19th Century architect, designed 116 Pall Mall in the early 1820s, he also famously designed the Brighton Pavillion & Marble Arch.
  • 116 is built on the site of Carlton House, the one-time London residence of the Prince of Wales prior to his accession to the throne as George IV in 1820.
  • The United Service Club occupied 116 for most of the next century and during its tenancy expanded into the adjacent buildings to provide overnight accommodation for members. These bedrooms now form the Business Centre meeting facilities on the third and fourth floors.
  • The dramatic marble mosaic in the inner hall of 116 was laid down in 1858. It remains a listed and unchangeable feature of the building.
  • The inner hall houses one of the building’s most valuable features; the marble bust of Nelson by famous 18th century sculptor and Wedgwood designer John Flaxman. It is said to be the only bust of Nelson created from life and stands on a plinth made from part of HMS Victory.
  • The magnificent staircase is perhaps one of the most spectacular features of the building and it is made even more notable by the 15-foot original, hand-made Regency chandelier which was presented as a gift to the club by George IV in the early 19th century to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.
  • There are many glorious and original paintings of the Regency period to be found on the balcony of 116 often reflecting the naval and military history of the building. They include two magnificent 16-foot wide oils depicting the Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar and portraits of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington purchased by the Club in 1831.
  • The Nash Room was once the library of the United Service Club and was notably used to portray the Viceroy’s Office in India in the film ‘Gandhi’.
  • Throughout the six function rooms on the first floor there are a number of original oils which form a complete series of Royal portraits from Charles I to the present day.