1820 Club

The RSL is one of the oldest learned societies in the UK. It was founded in 1820 “to excite literary talent and reward literary merit”. We still aim to meet these ideals, and in 2020, are celebrating our bicentenary: two hundred years of Britain’s literary history and the Society’s work for the advancement of literature.

Of our many plans for 2020, we are launching a programme which looks to reimagine the RSL’s extensive archive at Cambridge University Library, commissioning new writing from Fellows inspired by the documents held there, and creating a touring exhibition of artefacts and events to public libraries across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To do all this, we have created a new supporting club – the 1820 Club. Giving £1,820 annually – or £1,500 with Gift Aid – as a Club Member, you will be securing not only the RSL’s bicentenary celebrations but conducting the Society into its next two hundred years.

As an 1820 Club Member, you will be invited to a special party in late 2020, and you will of course also receive invitations to all our exclusive prize-giving events throughout the year, as well as priority booking and guaranteed tickets for all our public events. As a special memento for our 1820 Club Members, you will also receive a limited-edition facsimile of a letter from one of the RSL’s great historic Fellows, a treasure from our archive.

Your generosity will make all the difference to the Society and to literature in this country; at this crucial and historic juncture, your support will be invaluable.

To sign up as an 1820 Club Member online:

Click here to join now

Any gift, large or small, makes a difference. If you wish to make a smaller gift, please consider making a donation.

For further information about the 1820 Club, please contact Molly Rosenberg, Director: [email protected].