The foundation of the Club dates from 1877, when Joseph Newbon, a member of the Court of Common Council, conceived the idea that representation of the twenty-five Wards of the City should have a focal point for discussion and collective consideration of civic matters and guildry in general, with a view to promoting wider interest in citizenship of what was then the capital City of the British Empire and is now acknowledged to be the centre of the Commonwealth.

There have always been many who, for various reasons, have not been received into the Freedom of a Livery Company, but are no less loyal and zealous in their duty to the ancient Mayorality and Corporate Government of the 'Square Mile', under its Lord Mayor, Chief magistrate, Admiral of the Port and first Citizen Peer of this Capital City. Hence the title of The United Wards' Club of the City of London.

Its purpose is to promote and further the spirit of citizenship amongst its members and play its part in maintaining the high traditions and prestige of the civic life of the City of London.

Within the geographical area covered by the Corporation of London there are 25 wards or voting district. Each ward elects an Alderman and between four and twelve Commoners to represent them in the Court of Common Council, the City of London's town council.

It would appear that the founder was denied the privilege of serving as President of The Club, for the birth of which he was responsible. During the early days in the life of the Club, Presidents were in office for a number of years. The first three Presidents held office for eight, four and two years respectively; from then on it became the custom to elect a new President annually.

The President's badge of office appears to have come into use in 1924, when Sir Thomas Brooke-Hitching presented a handsome chain and crested badge, which has been worn ever since by successive Presidents. Sir Thomas was President of the Club in 1896, and was Sheriff of the City of London in 1902-3.

Apart from the name of the Club with the words '0f the City of London' the Presidential Badge contains no details of the City Arms or Crest. The predominant features of the Badge are clasped hands within arched branches of oak leaves on a plain gold shield which can be taken as indicative of the sturdy growth of unity and friendship. Below are the Quartered Arms and two Crests of the late Sir Thomas Brooke-Hitching, granted during his Shrieval year 1902-3.

The title heading above is a facsimile of the one used for the Transactions of the Club which were first published in the early nineteen-twenties and distributed fortnightly. Publication ceased when the present Club Journal was established.