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Gresham College

Sir Richard Gresham, Lord Mayor of London 1537 - 1538 came up with the idea of building an Exchange for traders, modelled on the successful Antwerp Bourse. This vision was made reality by his son Sir Thomas Gresham, in the form of the Royal Exchange. Sir Thomas, however, clearly felt there was more to life than money. Rental income from the shops around the Royal Exchange was used to offer free lectures on all kinds of subjects. Sir Thomas's mansion in Bishopsgate was used to host the lectures,and became the first Gresham College.

It was here, from 1645, that a group of scientifically inclined people began to gather. This group centred around Katherine Boyle, the clever sister of Robert Boyle,who was to go on in 1662 to form the Royal Society, which is now the longest continuously enduring scientific society in the world. During this time the chairmanship of Gresham College was taken by a number of distinguished figures, including Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke.

After 1748 lectures were given at various locations in the City of London, until the construction of a new Gresham College in 1842 in Gresham Street. Then in 1991came another move to the college's present home at Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn. This fourteenth century hall was once owned by the law college Gray's Inn.

Gresham College continues today as its founder intended, offering lectures on a wide range of topics free of charge to anyone who wants to attend. The college is now owned by the City of London, and the Company of Mercers, to whom Gresham gave his institution on his death. Seminars, conferences, and music events are also organised. A list of lectures and events can be obtained using the contact details below.

Opening Times: Lectures are arranged throughout the year. Contact the college, or the college web site, for a list. Lectures generally start at 1pm or 6pm and last for about an hour, including questions. Reservations are not usually required, unless stated. Lectures are web cast soon after they are delivered. See the college web site for details, and for an archive of recordings of past lectures.

Directions: Gresham College is in Holborn near Holborn Circus. Chancery Lane is the nearest Underground station. Click here for an interactive map centred on Gresham College

Access: disabled access to the hall is good. Adapted toilet facilities are available. Disabled access is difficult to the Council Chamber on the lower ground floor.

Contact:

phone: 020 7831 0575

web site: http://www.gresham.ac.uk/default.asp