Burlington House: A Historic Society Under Threat
Burlington House Historic Home Under Threat
New Burlington House, a grand Palladian building in London’s Mayfair, has served as a prestigious home for five learned societies since the 19th century:
- The Society of Antiquaries of London
- The Linnean Society
- The Geological Society
- The Royal Astronomical Society
- The Royal Society of Chemistry
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A Society With a Storied Past
Founded in 1707, the Society of Antiquaries of London is an educational charity focused on promoting historical understanding.
- Early meetings were held at the Bear Tavern on the Strand.
- In 1780, King George III granted it space at Somerset House.
- Since 1874, it has been based at New Burlington House — its home for over 145 years.
The Rent Crisis: From £4,800 to £150,000
The Society’s lease, part of a long-standing government arrangement, has undergone a major shift due to changes in accounting rules.
- Rent increased from £4,800 in 2012-13 to £150,000 in 2018-19.
- After eight years of private negotiation with the government, the Society has launched a public campaign to raise awareness.
Government’s Position
Officials argue that the Society is still paying only 30% of market rent and won’t face full rent rates until 2085.
Some MPs believe the current terms are fair and generous.
Others suggest alternative approaches:
- Moving to a different, more affordable location
- Sharing or distributing the collection
- Becoming a peripatetic institution without a permanent base
A Priceless Collection at Risk
The Society houses a vast and irreplaceable collection, including:
- A 1491 edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy
- Three early copies of the Magna Carta
- Royal portraits from the early 16th century
- A medieval cross from the Battle of Bosworth
- A Neolithic stone pounder from Stonehenge
The cost and logistics of moving such fragile and historic items are immense. The Society fears it may need to sell artefacts to cover relocation costs.
More Than a Museum: A Public Hub
New Burlington House isn’t just a storage space — it’s an active centre for education and engagement.
The Society hosts:
- Public events
- Academic research opportunities
- Educational programmes
- Collaborative activities with heritage charities
Relocation could severely undermine these efforts and reduce accessibility for the public.
A Major Economic Contribution
A 2019 impact assessment revealed:
- The Society contributes over £5.4 million in public value annually.
- If relocated, £4.2 million of that value — 78% — could be lost.
- In comparison, the government’s rental gains would be minor. The Society argues the public loss would be 44 times greater than the financial gain.
An Uncertain Future
While debate continues over the best solution, one thing is clear:
If the Society of Antiquaries and its fellow institutions are forced out of New Burlington House, the future form and impact of these historic societies will be profoundly changed.
