The Geographical Society of London was founded in 1830 as an institution to promote the advancement of geographical science.
Like many learned societies at the time of enlightenment, it started as a dining club in London, where select members held informal dinner debates on current scientific issues and ideas.
Under the patronage of King William IV, it later became known as The Royal Geographical Society and was granted its Royal Charter under Queen Victoria in 1859. In 1912, the Society moved to its current location, Lowther Lodge.
The Society’s purpose remains the same today as when it was first founded, namely the ‘advancement of geographical science’. However, the manner in which that is done has expanded greatly over the years, while still continuing to include publishing, the support of field research and expeditions, lectures and conferences, and its collections.
The history of the Society was closely allied for many of its earlier years with ‘colonial’ exploration in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the polar regions, and central Asia especially.
It enshrines such famous names as Livingstone, Stanley, Scott, Shackleton, Hunt and Hillary.
The Society also devoted much attention to education and was responsible for both the incorporation of the study of geography in schools at the turn of the 20th century and for the first university positions in the discipline.
With the advent of a more systematic study of geography, the Institute of British Geographers was formed in the 1933, by some Society fellows, as a sister body to the Society.
The RGS and IBG co-existed for 60 years until, after several years of discussion, they merged in January 1995 to create the new Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers).
Today, with 15,000 members, the Society is the largest and most active of the scholarly geographical societies. It advances geography through supporting geographical research, education and outdoor learning, public engagement and policy.
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Fellowship
Benefit from a wider involvement with the geographical community
Be informed on new and emerging subjects through events and activities; advice and training.
Have unlimited use of our information, maps, guidebooks and travel documents, and attend events and talks to support research or field work.
Eligibility
Fellowship is for those either actively engaged or with a background in geography, or a related subject.
Fellowship is also suitable for those who have travelled extensively. If you are using or applying geographical knowledge or techniques in your profession, Fellowship is also for you.
Annual membership costs from £85 (plus a one off joining fee of £30)
To find out more about eligibility see the guidelines found with the application form.
Enjoy these and other benefits:
- Come to London, City and regional lectures or view on our website
- Use FRGS in your title
- Opt to receive any of our three journals – Transactions, Area and Geographical Journal or popular magazine 'Geographical'
- Get discounts on kit and equipment
- Apply for Chartered Geographer status.
