The days of Liberal clubs round the country

Hidden away on Heath Street, Hampstead is an old foundation stone for the former Liberal Club.

"HAMPSTEAD LIBERAL CLUB
Foundation stone laid by
SIR CHARLES RUSSELL Q.C. M.P.
20th July 1889
S.A.LYON. ESQ. TREASURER

Spalding and Cross, Architects
Allison and Foskett, Builders"

In 1880 the Hampstead Liberal Association was formed and worked out of 13 High Street but them moved to 1 Downshire Hill by 1885 (this appears to have been a correspondence address). it was then renting at 31 High Street in 1888 before moving to the newly built headquarters at 24 Heath Street from 1889.

The offices were still in operation in 1925 and disposal may have taken place any time after that - it certainly co-incides with the split and decline that then ensued in the Liberal Party.

It's just by the current zebra crossing opposite Tesco (the old dairy).

Sir Charles Russell as QC is pictured left here practising as a barrister.

If you google him then you can find a case he was involved in of BRACEWELL V BRACEWELL SMITH AND THRELFALL