History of Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck College, can trace their origins to a mechanics’ institute in Glasgow as far back as 1800.

Almost 2,000 people flocked to the Crown & Anchor Tavern on the Strand to witness its launch.

Dr. George Birkbeck was born in Yorkshire but he worked for a time in Glasgow, where his lectures to working men led to the foundation in 1821 of one of the first Mechanics Institutes. In 1823, he founded a similar Institute in London.

In 1907, the London Mechanics’ Institute eventually in 1907 became Birkbeck College. In 1920 Birkbeck College was recognized as a constituent college of London University for both part-time and evening students.

The Institute can be found today just off London’s Gower Street where it continues its tradition of public education under the name of Birkbeck College as part of the University of London.
History of Birkbeck, University of London