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History
Phyllis Court has a distinguished history that can be traced back to 1301 when the building, known as Fillets Court was the Manor of Henley-on-Thames. It is thought that it is called after the old name for a red rose, fyllis or filletts because the red rose was the nominal rent paid by the first owner of the land, John de Molyns. He was Treasurer of the King’s Chamber and Keeper of the Royal Hawks and Falcons, and was given the Manor of Filletts by King Edward III in 1347. When Phyllis Court Club was founded on 2 June 1906 a rose was incorporated in the Club’s emblem and is still used today.
Phyllis Court Club has welcomed many distinguished visitors over the years. Queen Anne, the consort of James I, visited the manor in 1604, and in 1643 Oliver Cromwell built the wall that still edges the garden where it fronts the River Thames. Just over 45 years later, William of Orange held his first court here, on his way to London. In more recent times, in 1998 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II paid a brief visit on her way to open the River and Rowing Museum in Henley. She in turn was presented with a red rose – history repeating itself.
Down through the centuries Phyllis Court Club had many owners, but the most far-sighted was Roy Finlay, who founded a proprietary club at Phyllis Court Club in 1906. His decision was prompted by the Court's position in terms of Ascot and, of course, Henley Royal Regatta.
In 1912 King George V and Queen Mary attended the Royal Henley Regatta and it is on record that ‘because of the crowds who attended the Regatta the Grandstand Pavilion was constructed’. The temporary structure proved such a success that, in 1913, a permanent structure was erected. In 1974, it became a listed building but by 1986 the deteriorating condition of the cast iron frame meant the structure had to be rebuilt. Today’s Grandstand Pavilion retains many of the elegant qualities of the original structure.
The Club remained open throughout World War I, and in 1924 the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) became patron. World War II saw Phyllis Court Club requisitioned by the Ministry of Supply. During the latter part of the War, the Club became a rest home for American aircrews, and was finally handed back to its members in 1946.
Phyllis Court Club has been completely rebuilt twice during its long history and the present building dates from 1837. Following a serious fire in 1976 the Club was partially rebuilt and totally refurbished, setting the standards for the Phyllis Court Club of today.
In recent years the Club has been extended – the Finlay Suite was built in 1996, as an extension to the Ballroom and in 2003 six additional bedrooms were built above. In celebration of the Club’s Centenary in 2006, an Orangery was constructed over looking the grounds and the River Thames, giving members and their guests a beautiful restaurant.