Kate Meyrick, a name synonymous with the roaring twenties, nightclubs, and the glamours of Soho, was no ordinary woman. As a nightclub proprietor, she carved her own space in a male-dominated sphere and left an indelible mark on London’s social scene. Her story is more than just one of glamour and revelry; it’s a tale of ambition, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency against all odds.
Breaking Gender Norms
To understand Kate Meyrick, one has to first acknowledge the uniqueness of her persona, especially as a woman in a period when gender roles were narrowly defined. Not only was she the first woman to ride a bicycle in Dublin, but she also broke away from her tumultuous marriage to carve a distinct path for herself. She was an individual who wouldn’t settle for conventional roles—be it as a wife or as a conformist in society.
A Turbulent Marriage and the Quest for Independence
Kate’s marriage to Dr. Ferdinand Meyrick, an Irish Protestant doctor specialising in mental health and trauma, was far from tranquil. After relocating from Dublin to Southsea, England, the couple had eight children. However, disagreements plagued their life together. When Kate eventually filed for divorce, she was left with the monumental task of providing for her large family. With limited resources but boundless resolve, she looked toward London’s burgeoning nightlife for her next venture.
The Soho Nightclub Scene: Changing Social Dynamics
Following World War I, London’s nightlife had significantly changed. The Defence of the Realm Act had curtailed pub hours, yet people still sought venues where they could escape the weight of post-war gloom. Kate seized upon this opportunity. Her initial venture into the nightclub business started with Dalton’s Club in Leicester Square, which was short-lived due to a police raid on suspicion of being a brothel. Unfazed, Kate set her sights on 43 Gerrard Street and founded what would become her most famous establishment, the 43 Club.
The 43 Club: A Melting Pot of Society
Nestled in the heart of what is now China Town, the 43 Club became a hub of social interactions across the class divide. Whether you were an aristocrat, an artist, or a small-time criminal, you found a haven in Kate Meyrick’s establishment. The club’s clientele read like a who’s who of the 1920s: from sculptures like Jacob Epstein to luminaries like Joseph Conrad and Tallulah Bankhead. This was a place where barriers broke down, and various strata of society mingled freely.
Navigating Legal Challenges
While the 43 Club was a roaring success, it also attracted the prying eyes of the law. Kate faced numerous legal issues, including a 15-month imprisonment for bribery and corruption in 1928. Yet, even this couldn’t break her spirit. She continued to adapt, employing clever tactics to keep her club running, such as registering different sections of the building under varying names to confound the police.
The Final Years
Kate Meyrick’s declining health, compounded by poor conditions at Holloway Prison, eventually led to her untimely demise in 1933 at the age of 57. Even in her last days, she wrote her memoirs, Secrets of the 43, although the book was subsequently banned.
As the world plunged into the Great Depression, and with it, a decline in the nightlife of Soho, the legacy of Kate Meyrick continued to resonate. She was a woman of many facets—rebel, entrepreneur, mother, and the indisputable Queen of Soho. Her story reminds us that even in times marked by societal constraints and legal limitations, individuals can rise through sheer determination and unyielding courage.
Book Tickets: Settling in Soho Walking Tour
Listen to our London History Podcast: Episode 111: London Nightclubs in the interwar years
