Where Old World Charm Meets New Age Thinking

In June 1904 the first Lyceum Club opened in London. Its founder was a young Englishwoman, Miss Constance Smedley, who was later largely responsible for beginning sister clubs in other countries.

The pivot of the first Lyceum Club was the members' connection with art, literature, music and learning, an emphasis which has flowed through in today's Circles.

From the first, men were welcomed as guests and as speakers. International links were strong, and influenced the later Circles.

The Adelaide Club was founded in 1922 by Dr Helen Mayo who became the first president. Its object was to advance the status of women in professional life and in art and letters.