The Amicable Society of Blues
Our Story
The Amicable Society of Blues – “The Amicables” for short – lays claim to being the oldest dining society in the world. But what are its origins, and how are those traditions maintained today?
“Ladies and Gentlemen educated in Christ’s Hospital” - have been celebrating their debt to Housey by dining in each other’s company since the first Blues became Old Blues in the 16th century. However, the first recorded dinner date in a will-book belonging to the school, is 15th September 1629, and the first record of the present name, the Amicable Society of Blues, does not appear until 1775. It is the oldest CH association and claims to be the oldest dining society in the world.
In the early days a lengthy sermon preceded dinner, which was limited to one dish, usually in a City public house. Over time the sermon was cut, and several more courses could be accommodated. The traditions of toast, speeches and singing have been retained through the centuries.
Membership is limited to 40 Old Blues and up to 10 Honorary Members. Until 2013, it was an all male Society and Members were called Brethren. An influx of new members that year forced the issue of modernisation on to the agenda, and the Society unanimously voted to admit women. The opted to retain to collective noun ‘the brethren’ and to address each other as Brother, regardless of gender.
Members are elected because of their service to Christ’s Hospital, their achievements in work and public life and because of their financial support to the school. In line with the school’s irreverant culture, Members’ propensity to rib each other over dinner (in exchanges known as “brawling”) is highly prized. Interventions are deliberately prolix, meandering and offensive towards “Brother President”, who chairs proceedings. The latter gets his revenge by fining brawlers, With all fines going towards the Amicable Foundation, the sister charity which supports school projects designed to enable participation in extra-curricular activities regardless of means.
The Amicables and their distinguished guests meet three times a year: in February, on St George’s Day and on the anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth 1st. The venue is almost always the Innholders’ Hall in the City of London. The Headmaster (and Senior Grecian), the Clerk and the Treasurer are invited annually, though not usually together.
The Amicables exist to help promote the worthy foundation of Christ’s Hospital to influential and charitable people, whether Old Blues or not, and to celebrate its continued success. We look forward to the next 400 years.