Timeline of Chess Clubs in Richmond & Twickenham

[Richard James]

I published a post about this on the Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club website last month.

Some of you might be interested.

https://rtchessclub.com/2024/06/25/time ... wickenham/

[Kevin Thurlow]

I last played for NPL in 1995, so they lasted a bit longer than stated. Interesting article.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Thank you, Richard, for a fascinating outline of the history of chess clubs in this area.

I learnt more about Twickenham than I had known previously. Do you know more about Leeson's chess activities?

I wonder if this history (in terms of the amount of activity and change) is typical for the different periods when compared to other areas of outer London and (as it became later) suburban London? I would expect to see differences between centre and outer, linked to rise of the railways and the urban sprawl as London built up, but maybe also differences between north, south, west and east (due to specific factors). But I wonder what patterns you see outside London in comparison, in the UK's major cities, and in the rural towns and major population centres outside the industrial heartlands.

There would probably be a major element of class, reflecting the ability of people to pursue a leisure activity. Though at some point you would get working men's clubs, and lots of workplace clubs activities. And you would always get individuals driving things in particular areas due to their love of the game. The financial models change over time as well (and regional (e.g. county level] and national organisations have their influence as they develop). I think some elements of this are touched on in what others have written about the very earliest chess clubs, but not sure how far forward such surveys have gone.

[Richard James]

Thank you, Richard, for a fascinating outline of the history of chess clubs in this area.

I learnt more about Twickenham than I had known previously. Do you know more about Leeson's chess activities?

I wonder if this history (in terms of the amount of activity and change) is typical for the different periods when compared to other areas of outer London and (as it became later) suburban London? I would expect to see differences between centre and outer, linked to rise of the railways and the urban sprawl as London built up, but maybe also differences between north, south, west and east (due to specific factors). But I wonder what patterns you see outside London in comparison, in the UK's major cities, and in the rural towns and major population centres outside the industrial heartlands.

There would probably be a major element of class, reflecting the ability of people to pursue a leisure activity. Though at some point you would get working men's clubs, and lots of workplace clubs activities. And you would always get individuals driving things in particular areas due to their love of the game. The financial models change over time as well. I think some elements of this are touched on in what others have written about the very earliest chess clubs, but not sure how far forward such surveys have gone.

Leeson was an interesting - and in at least one way, disturbing man. You can find out more here.

https://www.twickenham-museum.org.uk/de ... d=1&cid=21

He sounds like a wonderful chap until you read that, in 1926, he joined Oswald Mosley's British Fascists.

As a comparison with the leafy London suburbs, I've also been researching the history of chess in the industrial city of Leicester, my father's home town and also where I studied. I've written some Minor Pieces on this.

[Mike Gunn]

Thank you, Richard, for a fascinating outline of the history of chess clubs in this area.

I learnt more about Twickenham than I had known previously. Do you know more about Leeson's chess activities?

I wonder if this history (in terms of the amount of activity and change) is typical for the different periods when compared to other areas of outer London and (as it became later) suburban London? I would expect to see differences between centre and outer, linked to rise of the railways and the urban sprawl as London built up, but maybe also differences between north, south, west and east (due to specific factors). But I wonder what patterns you see outside London in comparison, in the UK's major cities, and in the rural towns and major population centres outside the industrial heartlands.

There would probably be a major element of class, reflecting the ability of people to pursue a leisure activity. Though at some point you would get working men's clubs, and lots of workplace clubs activities. And you would always get individuals driving things in particular areas due to their love of the game. The financial models change over time as well (and regional (e.g. county level] and national organisations have their influence as they develop). I think some elements of this are touched on in what others have written about the very earliest chess clubs, but not sure how far forward such surveys have gone.

[Mike Gunn]

Following on from Chris's post, Guildford Chess Club (in its current incarnation) was formed in 1896 and we still possess the original minute books. When I read the records of the early years I did note that the theme that connected the other clubs that we were playing in matches was a direct railway link to Guildford. We also first won the Beaumont Cup (2nd string Surrey trophy in 1899/1900 and we have reasonable railway links to London/ North Surrey which existed at that time.

[Richard James]

Following on from Chris's post, Guildford Chess Club (in its current incarnation) was formed in 1896 and we still possess the original minute books. When I read the records of the early years I did note that the theme that connected the other clubs that we were playing in matches was a direct railway link to Guildford. We also first won the Beaumont Cup (2nd string Surrey trophy in 1899/1900 and we have reasonable railway links to London/ North Surrey which existed at that time.

In the early days of the Surrey League, matches took place in Central London, just as the London League still does. I'm not sure without further research at what point this changed to home/away matches.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Following on from Chris's post, Guildford Chess Club (in its current incarnation) was formed in 1896 and we still possess the original minute books. When I read the records of the early years I did note that the theme that connected the other clubs that we were playing in matches was a direct railway link to Guildford. We also first won the Beaumont Cup (2nd string Surrey trophy in 1899/1900 and we have reasonable railway links to London/ North Surrey which existed at that time.

It is easy to forget, sometimes, how late mass internal combustion engine (cars and buses) transportation came along. Or how difficult travel of any sort was before a certain date. Which is why you don't get these sorts of matches before then. And why telegraph/postal matches were a thing.

[Kevin Thurlow]

Apologies for repeating this, but three years ago...

"Off-topic, but I read a report of a Redhill friendly match over 100 years ago, and the opposing team caught a train from London to Epsom then had a brisk 10-mile walk to Redhill, where they had a splendid lunch before the match. (There is and was a direct train line from London to Redhill)."

I think they got the train back as the route back to Epsom includes the ascent of Reigate Hill, which I recall my old Hillman Minx didn't appreciate 50 years ago. Walking 10 miles after a 10-mile walk, a splendid lunch and then chess, might be too much.

[Gerard Killoran]

Leeson was an interesting - and in at least one way, disturbing man. You can find out more here.

https://www.twickenham-museum.org.uk/de ... d=1&cid=21

He sounds like a wonderful chap until you read that, in 1926, he joined Oswald Mosley's British Fascists.

The BUF was not formed until 1932. Leeson was a member of the 'British Fascisti', a precurser and briefly a rival party. William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw) was also a member before joining up with Mosely.,

Richmond Herald - Saturday 07 April 1928 p13.png (190 KiB) Viewed 1628 times

[JohnBass]

Very interesting, Richard. However, you don't seem to have mentioned Richmond Community Centre Chess Club, which I played for in the 1970s & 80s until the community centre was demolished and replaced by Waitrose supermarket.

Can you or anyone else shed light on the history of this club?

[Richard James]

Very interesting, Richard. However, you don't seem to have mentioned Richmond Community Centre Chess Club, which I played for in the 1970s & 80s until the community centre was demolished and replaced by Waitrose supermarket.

Can you or anyone else shed light on the history of this club?

Thanks for reminding me, John. Now updated with what I've been able to find/remember.