How a group of twelve men founded a scientific revolution
In short: In a London room 600 yards from the Guildhall, a young Christopher Wren delivered a lecture that changed history. What followed was the birth of the Royal Society, an institution built on the ambitious goal of spreading useful knowledge to the world.
The Royal Society's origins trace back to a late November afternoon nearly 350 years ago. During a lecture on astronomy by a then-unfamous Christopher Wren, a small group gathered at the headquarters of Gresham College. Following the presentation, twelve individuals, including Wren, retreated to the rooms of Laurence Rooke. It was in this setting that they formally agreed to establish a group originally known simply as "the Society." This gathering occurred at a location roughly 600 yards from the Guildhall. The institution itself was established in 1660 within the halls of Gresham College.
The group's mission was both noble and practical: to promote the accumulation and propagation of useful knowledge. To fund this endeavor, the founders set significant financial barriers to entry. An enrollment fee of 10 shillings was required, while attending the weekly meetings cost an additional one shilling. In modern currency, these fees represent approximately £500 to join and £50 per lecture, a substantial sum for the era. For the first two years of its existence, the group operated under the simple title of "the Society."
This historic meeting took place at a site that, in the modern era, is occupied by the Tower 42 building, formerly known as the NatWest Tower. The lecture, delivered by author Bill Bryson at the Guildhall in honor of the Royal Society's 350th anniversary, highlights how these early scientific gatherings laid the groundwork for the monumental achievements of the institution, which was founded in 1660. The lecture was introduced by the Lord Mayor of London, Nick Anstee, alongside Sir Roderick Floud, the Provost of Gresham College. The event also featured thanks from the Royal Society's President, Lord Rees.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: An Even Shorter History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson
- Also: Royal Society Anniversary Lecture: An Even Shorter History of Nearly Everything
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