Our building dates from 1868 when it was built for James Berridge Norman, a successful local businessman, Justice of The Peace and all round pillar of the community. He hailed from Newbold in Warwickshire, so the original name of the building was Newbold House, Melbourne Crescent, Chain Walk. They still spelled it as ‘Chain’ in those days, as it’s still pronounced by those in the know.

After the retirement of James Norman, the house was purchased by Alfred Church, of Church’s Shoes fame. Alfred’s ancestry goes back to a shoemaker called Stone Church in 1675, who taught his son Robert, who was registered in the town records as Robert of Mayorhold, a cordwainer. Stone Church founded a dynasty that would be world-renowned.

Alfred Church dropped the name Newbold House, and built the extension to the house we now enjoy as our lounge and club bar. The extension with the magnificent fireplace and woodwork was added at the turn of the 20th century, to be used by the 17 members of the family as their main lounge and garden room. Alfred was proud of his achievements and his position in society, and put into the stained glass his initials, which you can still see today. Also, he placed his initials over the fireplace, and in the wooden archway. If you look very closely, you can still see them today.

In 1929, during the depression that followed the Wall Street crash, the Northampton Chamber of Commerce purchased the premises on Monday 29th August from the executors of Alfred Church for £2,500. The official opening for the Club was Tuesday 15th October, 1929. The Club membership year still begins in October.

Cheyne Walk Club offers its members and their guests a high quality, traditional atmosphere in which to enjoy their leisure time, whether this is at lunch times or during the evening. We still host business networking events, seminars and conferences, and members also use the rooms to hold business meetings as well as social events.

In 2016, our historic logo was updated to reflect a more modern image whilst retaining the nostalgia of the club. The design was undertaken by Mark Coster at Pixooma.