Our History

Founded on April 3, 1850, at Hartwell House in Aylesbury, the Society has long been a pioneer in the field of meteorology. A small group of passionate individuals, including astronomer Dr. John Lee and notable meteorologist James Glaisher, came together to establish an organisation dedicated to advancing the understanding of weather and climate. The Society quickly grew, and by May 1850, it had expanded to 90 members, including the renowned Luke Howard, famous for naming clouds. In 1866, we became "The Meteorological Society" upon receiving a Royal Charter, and in 1883, we were granted the prestigious title of "Royal Meteorological Society" by Queen Victoria. For over a century and a half, we have been a hub for scientific discovery, innovation, and collaboration in meteorology. As we move forward from our 175th year, we invite you to learn more about our rich history.