Den Norske Klub
Den Norske Klub is a social club based in London. It was founded on 17 May 1887. Its members are Norwegians living in London or Britons with a connection to or interest in Norway. It is the oldest club of its kind in the UK and is still an important meeting place for the Norwegian community in London.
As a result of DNK's long existence and extensive networks, DNK attracts high calibre speakers and guests to its events including royals, celebrities, business leaders, and members of parliament.
History
Early years
The Klub owes its existence to a dozen young Norwegians who were celebrating their national day in a bar in 1887. When, at closing time, they were told they could stay only if they were representing a private club, one of the participants had the presence of mind to declare, "Well, we represent the Norwegian Club in London." They jotted down some articles of association on a piece of paper, which they all signed, and that allowed them to carry on drinking: Den Norske Klub was born.The first meetings took place every Thursday evening in a pub and the membership fee was fixed at 1 shilling per month. Most of the members were men in their 20s who had come to London to study or to train as businessmen, particularly in shipping, and only stayed in London a few years. The resident Norwegian colony, including the older gentlemen, were at first sceptical of the Klub but became involved after about 1900. In these early years, membership varied between 20-odd and about 50 members. Today it is around 300.
Women were originally only admitted as guests at Klub dinners and balls, but gained the right to become members in 1982.