The History of King’s College London

King’s College London, known often as ‘KCL’ is a London based research university. KCL currently ranks as the 38th best university in the world and places 24th for UK universities. King’s has a history of over 190 years, however it also has links to one of the UKs oldest medical schools. This guide will cover the history of King’s College London, from its founding to its modern day impact.

The Founding of KCL

King’s college was founded in 1829, initially as a ‘university college’ in response to the founding of what would become University College London three years prior.

Key Figures in the Establishment

In 1828, George D’Oyly wrote an open letter to the then Home Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons advocating for the establishment of a second London university. This petition was successful and efforts to create King’s College began the same year. Fundraising for the establishment was achieved by the next year and in August 1829, the royal charter for ‘King’s College, London’ was granted by George IV.

Early Vision and Mission

In 1826, ‘London University’ had been founded as a secular institution. However, the institution’s lack of religion received heavy criticism and calls for a London university “attached to the natural religion of the State” were made. This led to the founding of King’s College London and with its royal charter stating “the general education of youth in which various branches of literature and science are taught, and also the doctrines and dutiers of Christianity”.

KCL in the 19th Century

The 1800’s saw the growth of KCL from its initial founding to its establishment as a school with the University of London. 

The Duel in Battersea Fields

In 1829, the Duke of Wellington (Battle of Waterloo victor and Prime Minister) was publicly challenged about his simultaneous supprt for the Anglican King’s College and the Roman Catholic Relief Act. This culminated in a duel in the Battersea fields, however no one was hurt. This story is regarded as a famous bit of KCL history.

College Development

In 1839, KCL was able to award its first degrees under the University of London. In 1940, King’s opened its own hospital in an area known for poverty and disease. This and the introduction of professor Joseph Lister in 1877, famous for the use of antiseptic surgical methods, provided great benefit to the KCL medical school.

In 1889, King’s was awarded a large government grant which helped fund a university reform in the late 1800’s and, in 1989, KCL became a school within the wider Univeristy of London.

KCL in the 20th Century

In the 1900’s KCL experienced rapid growth as a college, both in campus and curriculum while also navigating the challenges the two World Wars brought.

Curriculum Growth and Mergers

Throughout the 20th century, KCL merged with several institutes to further its curriculum. For example, In 1983, Guy’s Hospital Medical School and St Thomas’s Hospital Medical School joined KCL to form a united medical and dental school.Interestingly, medical teaching at St Thomas’s can be traced back to 1173! Additional mergers with KCL included Chelsea and Queen Elizabeth Colleges in 1985 and with the Institute of Psychiatry in 1997.

KCL During World War I

During the Great War, KCL’s medical school opened its applications to female students for the first time. Students of the medical school contributed greatly in supporting the war effort, but unfortunately 415 of them were killed.

Following World War I, KCL experienced a great increase in its student body, with the cohort more than doubling in size by 1917.

KCL During World War II

In the Second World War, most students and staff had to be evacuated to locations like Bristol and Glasgow due to the bombings of London. The KCL buildings however, were used by the Auxiliary Fire Service which aided the fire brigaides during the war. 

Latter 20th Century

Following the war, many scientific advancements were made at the college, most notably, the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953. A significant change to KCL occurred in 1994 when, while still part of the Univeristy of London, the college gained financial and academic autonomy. Finally, in 1998, Florence Nightingale’s original nursing school merged with Kings to form the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery.

KCL’s Influence in the 21st Century

In 2006, KCL finally gained degree-awarding powers meaning degrees no longer had to be delivered through the University of London. In the 21st century, the college also received increased funding to further develop the campus and curriculum and has had to navigate some modern challenges and controversies.

Expansion of Campus and Curriculum

King’s has experienced the funding necessary to further develop its college. In 2012, the Queen officially reopened a refurbished building for KCL’s campus which cost £20 million. By 2013, over £400 million was raised to support research at KCL in the five areas; cancer, global power, neuroscience & mental health, leadership & society and children’s health.

Current Challenges

Since October 2023, students at King’s College London have engaged in pro-Palestine protests and encampments, demanding 5 key actions from the university. These include condemning Israeli war crimes and divesting from all corporations and arms manufacturers involved in the Israeli conflict. As of June 2024 students had yet to meet with the Principle and the community is frustrated by the university’s lack of engagement and accuse them of double standards.

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