George Edwards: The Bedell and his Birds

The Royal College of Physicians, Warwick Lane, London

The Bedell at the Royal College of Physicians was (and still is) the custodian of College property. When Edwards took the job in 1733 he became responsible for the administration for many aspects of College life. It was a good job; the salary was £12 a year with £22 of gratuities and it came with a large rent-free house in the College building in Warwick Lane, close to St Paul’s Cathedral. This provided Edwards with an enviable city base not far from the Royal Society’s headquarters.

Coat of Arms, 1752

Edwards was an honest and faithful servant to the College. He supervised the maintenance of the building, from water supply to minor repairs. He was responsible for all domestic purchases from candles to chamber pots. He organised meetings of the fellows, both professional and social and also used his artistic skills to design and etch summons to the College. Most importantly Edwards had to keep a list of fellows and licentiates, collecting fines and fees when appropriate. This was not always without problems and Edwards was involved in two protracted disputes involving the rights of licentiates.

Invitation, 1759

Edwards always described himself as the Keeper of the College Library although officially there was no such post. But one of his duties was the care for the collection of 8000 books.  These were a gift from the Marquis of Dorchester that replaced the original library burnt in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Mr Mike Finn, the Bedell at the Royal College of Physicians

The College’s current Bedell is Mike Finn who has worked here for 12 years. The role has changed since Edwards’ time and the Bedell’s responsibilities now include carrying the College Mace on ceremonial occasions, acting as master of ceremonies at College dinners and overseeing the conferences, meetings and functions that are part of modern College life.