Our Heritage

A Tradition Since 1836

The Society was born on 16 October 1836, when a group of fishing enthusiasts started meeting in London on a regular basis to compare their fishing skills, learn from each other and socialise. Before long, we had started a library and a museum of specimen fish and assorted artefacts. Our historian-curator-librarian keeps our heritage alive and relevant.

The 19th Century

FOUNDATION

Influence

Early members included Francis Francis, angling editor of The Field, and Frank Buckland, the foremost fisheries scientist and conservationist of his day. In 1864 they donated the ova that too English brown trout “down under”. Buckland drafted the Mundella Act that in 1878 introduced the coarse fishing close season. We continued to fish around London and to meet there until the end of the century.

The 20th Century

20th Century

Moving west

As the Victorian era ended we moved west, fishing the Lambourn, Kennet, Anton and Test, while still holding regular meetings in London. We became increasingly involved in conservation, researching and developing fisheries management techniques. In the 1970s we first published our twice-yearly Journal, and re-established a continuing programme of meetings

Today

Blending Heritage and Innovation

We have remained in the heart of chalk stream country, celebrating our Rod Room’s 50th anniversary in 2025. As a company limited by guarantee we own assets such as fisheries, property, equipment and land. While our library and online museum embody our heritage, we’ve been modern for nearly 200 years

These traditions continue in the life of the Society today