Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men (1848-1861)
In 1848 Charles Blomfield, Bishop of London, called upon the clergy to establish evening classes to improve “the moral, intellectual and spiritual condition of young men in London”. In response, the Reverend Charles Mackenzie, instituted the Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men in Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate, London, with student fees at one shilling per session. Subjects on the original curriculum included Greek, Latin, Hebrew, English, History, Mathematics, Drawing and Natural Philosophy. This fledgling college came under royal patronage following the visit of Prince Albert to the classes in 1851.
In 1860 the classes moved to Sussex Hall, the former Livery Hall of the Bricklayers' Company, in Leadenhall Street. By this time, some 800 students were enrolled annually. In 1861 the classes were reconstituted and named the City of London College.