HISTORY - 1749 to 1907

The Club dates back to 1749 when bowls was played on the meadow-land situated behind the 'Three Tuns' Inn. The land, originally owned by the Archbishops of Canterbury from 1085 to 1758, extended from the Church House, known today as the Old Palace, to Surrey Street. The bowling green became part of a re-development in 1907, together with the Inn and other buildings in Surrey Street.

1907 to 1920

The Club moved to a new site behind 88 - 90 High Street, at the rear of Harewood House, owned by a Professor of Music. The limitations of the area restricted the size of the bowling green and by 1919 a new site was sought. Bramley Hill House and its two acre grounds became available and was purchased from the owner, Mr. J.H. Jackson in 1920. The Limited Company was formed.

1920 to 1945

Development of the site, by 1921, resulted in two full sized bowling greens though the severe drought delayed the official opening until the summer of 1922.

In the 1930's the Club decided to build the Indoor Pavilion which was completed in 1937. This Pavilion was taken over by the War Ministry for storage purposes.

1945 to 1975

Successive developments made in 1964, 1973/4, 1981/2 altered both the shape and accommodation of the premises by erecting a single storied link building between the old Club House and the Pavilion, leaving the original Club House to become, in part, the accommodation for the steward and the greenkeeper.

1975 to 1992

The Ladies Bowling Club, formed in 1975, led to plans for enlargement and internal alteration of the premises. There was also re-organisation of the playing and social sections. Development of unused land provided two more smaller greens, giving a total facility of sixteen rinks. In 1982 a two-storey development afforded additional space in the bar lounge and the restaurant was built. The upper floor provided committee rooms and a vantage point for viewing the greens. The Corbett Shelter, built with a legacy left to the Club by John Corbett, is on the site of the greenkeeper's original machinery shed.

1992 to present

Extensive alterations made to the Pavilion interior which included lowered ceilings, improved lighting, air circulation and heating controls.

1998 to 1999

The Club’s 250th Anniversary Year during which a large number of special celebration functions and games have been held.