Kit-Cat Club

John Vanbrugh

The Kit-Cat Club was an early 18th-century English club in London with strong political and literary associations. The club was founded by the publisher Jacob Tonson and was active during the reign of Queen Anne and the early years of King George I.

History

The Kit-Cat Club was established around 1700 and was named after the mutton pies (known as "Kit-Cats") served at the establishment of Christopher Catling, a pastry cook and the club's original meeting place. The club was initially a gathering of Whig politicians, writers, and other influential figures who supported the Whig Party.

Members

The club's membership included many prominent figures of the time, such as:

• Joseph Addison - Essayist, poet, and politician.
• Richard Steele - Writer and politician, co-founder of The Spectator.
• John Vanbrugh - Architect and dramatist.
• William Congreve - Playwright and poet.
• Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset - Politician and nobleman.
• Thomas Wharton, 1st Marquess of Wharton - Politician and nobleman.

Activities

The Kit-Cat Club was known for its convivial gatherings, where members would discuss politics, literature, and other topics of the day. The club also played a significant role in promoting the Whig agenda and supporting the Hanoverian succession.

Legacy

The Kit-Cat Club left a lasting legacy in British culture and politics. The term "Kit-Cat" has come to symbolize the club's influence and the era in which it thrived. The club's members were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of early 18th-century Britain.

Portraits

A notable feature of the Kit-Cat Club was the series of portraits commissioned by Jacob Tonson and painted by Godfrey Kneller. These portraits, known as the "Kit-Cat portraits," depicted the club's members and are now housed in various collections, including the National Portrait Gallery, London.

See also

• Whig Junto
• The Spectator (1711)
• Hanoverian succession
• Jacob Tonson