What was the Clermont Set?

Lord Lucan was undoubtedly a member of The Clermont Set.

This was not only the place where Lucan lost most of his family fortune - around £5 Million in today’s money - but the sanctuary to which he repaired during the rocky times during his marriage.

After he’d squandered the family fortune, Aspinall kept Lucan on at the Clermont as a house-player. Lucan added a bit of class to the place and was allowed to keep a small share of his winnings.

Almost every weekday without exception, Lucan would go to the Clermont for lunch. He always had the same meal: Salmon and lamb chops.

He then might play a bit of backgammon with his chums before going back home for a bath. Suited and booted, he’d return to the Clermont for the main gambling session of the day, usually staying there with until about 3am.

His wife Veronica hated his incessant gambling, and would often wait for him there. Their rows were legendary.

The Clermont Set comprised, amongst others, the millionaire asset-stripper Jimmy Goldsmith; Lucan’s brother-in-law Bill Shand Kydd, who’d married Veronica’s sister; his gambling mentor Stephen Raphael; the banker Daniel Meinertzhagen; Charles Benson, the Daily Express’ racing correspondent; and a cheery sprig of a man, Dominic Elwes.

It was the Clermont Set which was widely believed to have spirited Lucan out of the country after the murder.

Lord Lucan: My Story