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Today in History: Leading Scientists Establish Royal Society in London

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 28, 1660, prominent scientists, including Robert Boyle, John Wilkins, and Christopher Wren, convened at Gresham College in London to establish the Royal Society. This learned society, granted a royal charter by King Charles II, aimed to promote scientific knowledge and remains the oldest continuously operating scientific academy in the world.

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Story summary

On November 28, 1660, prominent scientists, including Robert Boyle, John Wilkins, and Christopher Wren, convened at Gresham College in London to establish the Royal Society. This learned society, granted a royal charter by King Charles II, aimed to promote scientific knowledge and remains the oldest continuously operating scientific academy in the world.