Individual membership

There are 36 branches in England and Wales. Each branch actively supports the aims of the ESU and organises its own activities to meet the needs of local and visiting members. Typical programmes include talks, literary events, concerts and social events which enable members to raise funds for local sponsorship and exchanges or contribute to the programmes organised by the Headquarters.

Strong links have formed between UK branches and ESUs in other countries and this has led to the establishment of regular exchange visits and offers of home hospitality to overseas scholars, interns and conference delegates. The involvement of individual members and their branches allows friendships to form and grow between members from different parts of the world.
Recent activities funded by UK branches have included: sponsorship of delegates at ESU conferences; grants to students attending language schools and the provision of placements to visiting professionals.

Members are kept informed of news and forthcoming events through our publication of newsletters.
Membership of the English-Speaking Union entitles you to:
  • Receipt of newsletters, the ESU Annual Report
  • Attend and vote at General Meetings of the ESU and your local branch
  • Use of the Page Memorial Library
  • Use of Dartmouth House in London
  • Further the aims of the ESU to promote international friendship and understanding and support its educational work

Subscription rates

Note that the figures in brackets refer to Direct Debit payments. The second membership rate is available to those resident at the same address as an existing member.

London membership

Standard £58 (£51)
Retired (65+) £33 (£30)
Second members £25 (£22)

Country membership

Standard £36 (£32)
Retired (65+) £21 (£19)
Second members £15 (£13)

Overseas Membership

Individuals and their families resident outside the UK may join the ESU at Dartmouth House in London as Overseas Members. The cost is £27 per annum (or £24 if paying by Direct Debit).
Membership forms are available in the following formats to print and complete:



For further information please contact:

Narissa Nelson
Database Administrator
Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7529 1550