The Beaufort Polo Club
 Polo
is the oldest ball sport in the world dating back to 600 BC. The
word is derived from the “pulu”, the willow root from
which the polo balls were crafted in Tibet over 2000 years ago.
The sport gradually spread through Asia to India, where it was
introduced to tea planters and British soldiers, who brought the
game to England. The first match was played in the UK in 1871
between the 9th lancers and 10th Hussars. One of the players in
this match was Captain Frank Henry who started the Beaufort Polo
Club in 1872.
A Brief History of the Club
The Beaufort Polo Club, though in it’s present form only
nineteen years old, is really a revival of a hunt polo club which
must have been one of the first if not the first, of the country
polo clubs. The old Club was inaugurated in 1872 by Colonel Frank
Henry, who had just returned from the ninth Lancers, which was
the regiment responsible for bringing the sport of polo to England,
and had, just three years previously played the historic polo
match against the 10 hussars.
The present Club was formed during the Winter of 1928-1929 by
a few members of the Beaufort Hunt under the presidency of the
Duke of Beaufort. An ideal site was found in the Big Field at
Norton, between Malmesbury and Hullavington on the Pinkney Estate.
The Beaufort Polo Club as it is known now is a small friendly
polo club set alongside the Westonbirt Arboretum in one of the
most beautiful parts of England. The serenity and tranquillity
of the surrounding Cotswold countryside are in complete contrast
to the speed and energy of the sport of polo. It is simply one
of the most exciting games in the World for player and spectator.
Simon and Claire Tomlinson revived The Beaufort Polo Club with
two main objectives: to encourage young players to learn and improve
their game; and to provide first class polo facilities for players
and spectators alike.
The Club now hosts polo at the very highest standard including
the Argentine Club Cup, which provides the highest standard of
tournament polo in Europe; and the Williams de Broe Test Match which
will see England take on New Zealand.
Beaufort Polo Club Facilities
Polo Facilities
The Club has 7 boarded polo grounds, a number of stick and ball
areas, a polo pit and indoor riding school. The grounds are free
draining and playable in the very wettest conditions.
The Clubhouse has comfortable changing rooms and a relaxed bar
area where players and members can relax.
The Club offers full livery, stabling and schooling as well as
the opportunity for riders to hire ponies for lessons, chukkas
and even tournaments. Courses are run for the Pony Club and schools
and as soon as possible children are integrated into adult polo.
Riding and polo tuition from Hurlingham Polo Association Approved
coaches is available thoughout the year for anyone wanting to
learn or improve their skills.
For more information on playing
membership and coaching
see our Membership
section.
Spectators Welcome
From May until September matches are played every weekend and
on some week days. Members of the public are welcome to all matches
- the dates and times of events can be seen on our fixture list
and can be confirmed by phoning the Polo Office on 01666 880 510.
The Club house is open for refreshments to members on Wednesdays,
between 4pm and 9pm, and at weekends between 10am and 6pm approximatley.
For non-members, a day membership may be purchased in advance
of the event. Please check in advance to avoid disappointment.
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