Presidents of the Royal Society

The Royal Society was established in 1660 by a group including Sir Christopher Wren, as 'a Colledge for the Promoting of Physico-Mathematicall Experimentall Learning'. It gained approval from Charles II and acquired a Royal Charter in 1662. The President is elected by the society's council, presides over meetings and is chairman of the Trustees. Initially there was no limit on the time a president could serve. Since 1870, it has been tradition for the President to serve for a 5 year period. In a backlash against the election of wealthy amateurs to position of President, the decision was made in 1847 to elect the President based solely on their scientific credentials.