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BSG was formed in the early 1990’s, but it was not until
the turn of the century it developed into the largest sporting
clay ground in Europe.
The colonial clubhouse has a wonderful history. It was originally
built in 1865 on Wimbledon Common, where it was the Council
Club headquarters of the Councillors, one of whom, by coincidence,
was my great grandfather, who advised the government on the
future of musketry.
As Wimbledon village grew it became clear that the ranges
posed a real danger, and an unfortunate grave digger met his
end when struck by a bullet between his shoulder blades. The
deciding moment however, for the move of the ranges, came when
a local MP received a bullet through his top hat!
The ranges were moved down to Bisley in 1895, and the clubhouse
was taken down and moved to Bisley that year. Interestingly
when they rebuilt it, they found, close to completion, that
they had rebuilt it back to front! They decided to leave it
as it was and today it is impossible to detect this Victorian
blunder.
By this time musketry had given way to rifles, and the role
of the Councillors was no longer required, and the clubhouse
became an Officers Mess. It fell into disrepair but was fully
refurbished between 1995 and 1998, to create a unique blend
of history, with all the memorabilia, and the comfortable relaxed
style of a country clubhouse.
Anthony Roupell
Director
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History 
