England’s earliest chair of mathematics was that of Gresham College, founded in 1597, but who came next? 

The earliest University-based mathematics professorship was Oxford’s Savilian Chair of Geometry, founded in 1619. 

This illustrated lecture outlines the 400-year history of this Chair, from its beginnings to the present day, and features such figures as Henry Briggs, John Wallis, Edmond Halley, James Joseph Sylvester and G. H. Hardy.

A lecture by Robin Wilson

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/savilian-professors

Gresham College has been giving free public lectures since 1597. This tradition continues today with all of our five or so public lectures a week being made available for free download from our website. There are currently over 2,000 lectures free to access or download from the website.

Website: http://www.gresham.ac.uk
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