University of London established by Royal Charter

Background. London University, founded in 1826 as a secular institution, lacked state recognition and degree-awarding powers. In response to theological controversies, King's College London was established in 1829 as an Anglican college. The government announced in 1835 that an examining board would grant degrees, leading to the formal establishment of the University of London in 1836.

Establishment. The University of London was established by Royal Charter on 28 November 1836. It functioned as an examination board for students from affiliated institutions. The charter named University College London and King's College London as the first affiliated colleges, marking a shift from the previous status of London University as a mere college.

Legal Framework. The university established by the charters of 1836 and 1837 was essentially an examining board with the right to award degrees in arts, laws and medicine. The 1836 charter provided for students holding certificates from University College London, King's College London, and other institutions established for education within the Metropolis or elsewhere in the United Kingdom. UCL's charter was later surrendered, with all of UCL's property becoming the University of London's.