Founded in June 1918 by the writer and journalist (Sir) Evelyn Wrench, international friendship and understanding are at the heart of all that the ESU undertakes. (Sir) Winston Churchill was its Chairman circa 1922. The Headquarters of the English-Speaking Union is based in Dartmouth House, London, W1. It expanded into the USA in 1920 and now has branches in approximately 50 countries. In 1910, (Sir) Evelyn Wrench founded the Royal Over-Seas League in Park Place, London SW1.
The first Australian branch was established in Melbourne in 1919, followed by Sydney and Adelaide in 1923, Brisbane in 1959, and, more recently, the ACT.
The English-Speaking Union NSW is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).