Legendary Gamblers

William Crockford was founder and proprietor of the most famous English gambling establishment – Crockford’s Club at 50 St. James St, Mayfair, London. Crockford came from humble beginnings. He was the son of the fishmonger, but from an early age developed a thirst for the gambling lifestyle. He ran a sideline in bookmaking and was also involved in a few scams to fleece punters, like the three-card-monte trick.

In 1816 he invested a quarter share into a gambling tavern in St James’ which was reasonably successful. However he soon realised that the real money could be made in gambling clubs that were exclusive and those that aimed at recruiting the most wealthy individuals.

With this running through his head, Crockford made his most ambitious move yet. In 1827 and with around £100,000 (which he either won at cards, or saved for) he built the most exclusive gambling club London had ever seen at 50 St James’ St, Mayfair. He bought the four adjoining houses around the corner and luxuriously decorated the entire space. To ensure the club’s exclusiveness he introduced a yearly membership charge. The place quickly became known as Crockford’s Club and the attracted the wealthy and well-to-do clientele from all over the country.

In 1840, Crockford retired with around £1,200,000, which was as one person coined it "all the ready money of the then-existing generation". Crockford’s Club then became the "Devonshire Club", but most recently is known as Fifty which is owned by London Clubs International. It still retains it’s exclusiveness by charging an annual membership fee.