Gresham College has been providing free public education across the arts and sciences since 1597 when Sir Thomas Gresham's executors founded the college to bring the ‘new learning’ to Londoners, in English rather than Latin (the language of universities for most of Europe at that time). It was the first Institute of Higher Education in London.

Gresham Professors

Gresham College appoints ten full-time Professors who serve three year terms and typically deliver six lectures each academic year. Seven of our Chairs are of the original subjects as set out by the Will of Sir Thomas Gresham in 1575: Divinity, Astronomy, Geometry, Music, Law, Physic and Rhetoric.

Over the years the college has reflected ways in which knowledge has expanded so, for example, the Chair of Physic now extends to all the medical and biological sciences; Astronomy represents the physical sciences; Geometry the mathematical sciences; Rhetoric the arts, humanities (except Music) and the social sciences.

Three newer Professorships in Business, IT and Environment, have helped us widen and modernise the academic programme, and we are now taking applications for appointments to these positions with effect from 1 August 2025.

Please click on the relevant links below to find out more: