Robert Hooke memorialised at Westminster Abbey

Hooke, had an international reputation in science, engineering and architecture. His diverse occupations and determined personality made him famous throughout society in 17th century London.

300 years later, at Hooke 2003, a conference organized by Gresham College to celebrate his life and work, The Dean of Westminster, Dr Wesley Carr announced that Hooke was to be memorialised in Westminster Abbey.

Dr Carr said:

Hooke made a significant contribution to science and engineering in the 17th century that has until recently been largely undervalued.

The memorialisation will begin at 6.00pm and after a short service of dedication, the memorial tablet will be placed on the floor, which Hooke laid, close to the memorial for Dr Richard Busby, Head Master of Westminster School when Hooke was a pupil there.

Notes to editors

Robert Hooke was a true polymath. Author of the influential Micrographia (1665) he was one of the leading natural philosophers of his day. As an inventor, he was second to none. He also played a major role in the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire, while his diaries give a revealing picture of his lifestyle and milieu in the Restoration metropolis.

Westminster Abbey is central to the life of the nation. Founded as a Benedictine monastery over a thousand years ago, the Church was rebuilt by Edward the Confessor in 1065 and again by Henry III in the thirteen century. Great scientists, poets and musicians are memorialised in the Abbey from Newton and Darwin, Handel and Purcell to Chaucer and Dickens. Robert Hooke was a former College Surveyor of Westminster Abbey.

Gresham College is an independent educational institution, governed by a Council with the Lord Mayor of London as its President. The College is named after Sir Thomas Gresham. Sir Thomas' fine mansion in Bishopsgate was the first home of Gresham College. For further details about Gresham College, please visit the website on www.gresham.ac.uk.