![]() Crest of the Bullingdon Club | |
Named after | Bullingdon Hundred |
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Formation | 1780 |
Purpose | Private dining club |
Headquarters | Oxford University |
The Bullingdon Club is a private all-male dining club for Oxford University students. It is known for its wealthy members, grand banquets, and bad behaviour, including vandalism of restaurants and students' rooms. The club selects its members not only on the grounds of wealth and willingness to participate but also by reference to their education.
The Bullingdon was originally a sporting club, dedicated to cricket and horse-racing, although club dinners gradually became its principal activity. Membership is expensive, with tailor-made uniforms, regular gourmet hospitality, and a tradition of on-the-spot payment for damage. Some members have gone on to become leading figures within British society and the political establishment. Former member include two kings of England (Edward VII and Edward VIII), three prime ministers (David Cameron, Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, and Boris Johnson), and two chancellors of the Exchequer (George Osborne and Lord Randolph Churchill).
The Bullingdon is often featured in fiction and drama.