Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution – Inspiring Minds since 1824
16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2HN
Literary and Philosophical Institutions became popular in the 18th century for the discourse of topical and intellectual matters. In the early 19th century some prominent residents proposed that a permanent Literary and Scientific Institution be created in Bath. In 1824, after a devastating fire had destroyed Bath’s lower assembly rooms, the first incarnation of the BRLSI was set up on Terrace Walk. The initial site, elegantly designed by George Allen, was spacious enough to accommodate the Institution’s vast collection of Roman antiquities, expensive books and geological specimens. Bath at this time was considered to be the home of geology. Such was the sudden prestige of the Institution that in 1830 the man who was later to become King William IV conferred royal patronage on the Institution and in 1837, under Queen Victoria, the Royal was added to the Institution’s name. In the 1850s the public’s curiosity for natural history saw the founding within BRLSI of both a Geological Museum and Natural History Museum. A new road building scheme in the centre of the city meant that the Institution’s building had to be demolished and its new and present home was relocated in Queen Square in 1932. Join Andreas Wasmuht as he charts the past, present and potential future of the Institution, placing the Institution in its times and places.
Timings & Tours
- Monday 15 September:
- 19.30
Location & directions
16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2HN
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Book a free ticket online
- Booking website:
- https://www.brlsi.org/whatson/brlsi-inspiring-minds-since-1824/
- Booking opens:
- 29 Jun 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 15 Sep 2025 07:00 PM
Accessibility details
Due to our Grade 1 listed building we are currently not able to offer entirely step-free access to our spaces. However, if you let us know in advance that you are coming, we will ensure a ramp is ready to facilitate access points. Contact [email protected]
Additional information
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
