Gresham College

   At the south-west corner of Basinghall Street, at its junction with Gresham Street (P.O. Directory). In Cheap and Bassishaw Wards.

   New building opened Dec. 15th, 1913, on the site of the former College, but enlarged. Frontage to Basinghall Street 58 ft., to Gresham Street 71 ft.

   The original College was in Gresham House (q.v.) on the east side of Old Broad Street, the residence of Sir Thomas Gresham, erected in the 16th century.

   Under Gresham's Will, which came into operation in 1596, the College was established in his house and the seven lectureships were founded. It remained here until 1768, when the site was sold to the Crown and the Excise Office erected. But the new College in Basinghall Street was not built until 1843, in which year it was opened by Lord Mayor Humphrey. A few years ago it was found to be inadequate for its present-day uses and was taken down and the present building erected in its place. Architects, Dendy Watney and Sydney Perks (Times, 16 Dec., 1913).

   It is interesting to note that the members of the Royal Society held their first meetings in the old Gresham College.