The 59 Club

A motorcycle club, also known as The Fifty Nine Club and 'the 9', with it's roots in the United Kingdom and members globally.

The 59 Club started as a Church of England-based youth club founded at St Mary of Eton church in Hackney Wick by Reverend John Oates, in the East End of London, then an underprivileged area suffering post-war deprivations. The club was established to provide a place where young people could meet together and enjoy music and fellowship. It broke with the tradition of most church youth clubs at the time by allowing entry to all young people from the local community whether they attended church or not. Oates managed to persuade teen star, Cliff Richard to play at the Club's opening night on Thursday 2 April 1959, guaranteeing a huge turnout of young people and making the club an instant success.

In 1962 a motorcycle section was established, meeting once a week on Saturday evenings at the Eton Mission where there was ample parking and a large hall with table tennis, billiards, a juke box and a coffee bar. Motor Cycle staff writer Mike Evans in 1963 reported: "Ably managed by the Rev. Bill Shergold, the club is affectionately known by London riders as 'The Vic's Caff'!"

It was notable, initially in the London area during the mid-1960s, for its adoption by the British motorcycling subculture known as 'rockers', who were at that time seen as "folk devils" at the centre of a moral panic in society. Its badge has taken on an iconic value for them.

The 59 Club is a motorcycle club based in London, England that was founded in 1959 by Reverend Bill Shergold. Originally created to provide a safe and welcoming space for young motorcyclists to gather and socialize, the club quickly became known for its focus on the spirit of brotherhood and its dedication to helping others. The club's name comes from its founding location, a church in Paddington with the address 59A Club Row. Over the years, the 59 Club has become a cultural icon, with members including famous musicians such as Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. Today, the club continues to operate, offering support and friendship to motorcyclists of all ages and backgrounds, and is regarded as a key part of London's motorcycle scene.

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