Nothing to do with King Arthur

The Name and Logo

The Round Table Roundel is based on the table that hangs in the Great Hall at Winchester. This is a medieval reproduction of King Arthur’s Round Table however the name Round Table does not owe its heritage to the mythical ruler.

In fact, the name actually comes from a speech that the then Prince of Wales made in 1927 to the British Industries Fair.

“The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times and wherever possible, improve them”.

This speech inspired the name, and also provided its motto: adopt, adapt, improve –  principles that remain at the heart of the present organisation.

The first Round Table was formed in Norwich in 1927

The founder, Louis Marchesi, was the youngest  member of Norwich Rotary Club who felt there was a need for a club aimed more at the younger businessmen of the town. His vision was for them to exchange  ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues, and together contribute to the civic life of the town.

In the following 12 months, interest was so high that the club attracted 85 members, and people around the country were starting to show an interest in establishing other clubs.

From the beginning, Round Table was a non-religious, non-political, and non-sectarian club, an ethos that still underpins the club today.

The first overseas group was formed in Copenhagen in 1936, and while the movement continued to grow in Denmark.

The Round Table is now a truly international movement, with active members in most European countries, as well as Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the USA. In fact, there are Round Table clubs on every continent.

If you want to find out more, find your nearest club using our Club Finder, then come along to one of our events for free and  if belonging to Round Table is for you.