Masters

Before the club was formed, in 1818, tennis was under the control of the monarch who appointed a “Master of the King’s (or Queen’s) Tennis Courts” to run the courts on a day-to-day basis.

Some of these Masters taught the game while others – like the last, Major William Beresford, who had been appointed in 1815 (before the club was formed) and had somehow managed to retain the position until his death in 1883 – remained aloof. The two Webbs on the other hand also taught tennis, as did Anthony Ansley who is shown by surviving records to have been Henry VIII’s professional in the years 1528 – 32 (and possibly for a longer period), and may have been the first Master of the King’s Tennis Courts.

Gedeon Lozier (a Master in 17^th century) built the court at St. James’s Palace for the Prince of Wales (later Charles I).

All of the Masters from John Webb onwards had the use of the Keeper’s House; now the club rooms and accommodation for the head professional.