By Aditi KhannaLondon, Nov 11 (PTI) For the first time in its over 180-year-old history, a traditional Cambridge University privatemembers' club, famous as a male-only space, has voted to allowwomen members.
The Pitt Club has been open only to men since it wasfounded in 1835, with entry dependent on formal election.
Until now women could accompany members to events at theclubhouse on campus but could not attend in their own right.
According to student newspaper 'Varsity', the clubconfirmed this week that it was now open to women which meansthey would have an equal right to be elected as members.
"A majority of the resident members of the UniversityPitt Club voted to elect female members. The club looksforward to welcoming its first female members," the club saidin a statement.
Originally intended as a political club, the Pitt Clubwas named after the 18th-century British Prime MinisterWilliam Pitt the Younger, an alumnus of Pembroke College atthe university.
The club is more famous for its parties, although theyare believed to be less raucous than those at OxfordUniversity's similar Bullingdon Club.
Notable members and former members of the Pitt Clubinclude King Edward VII and King George V, Prince AlbertVictor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, Olympic gold-medalistDavid Cecil and the economist John Maynard Keynes.
The report said it had seen an email sent to alumnimembers of the club earlier this week, which said that while"the vote is not extended to alumni members, we would greatlyappreciate any thoughts that you might have on the issue.
"These thoughts and feelings will be presented to themembership as part of the discussion (on November 7) whichwill precede the vote."It is believed that the decision to hold a vote on mixedmembership was made in order to improve the club's reputation,which has been harmed over the years by tales of debaucheryand controversial initiation ceremonies.
Entry into the club is only possible through election viaa members' vote, which will often require applicants toperform controversial initiations. PTI AKMRJ.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.