Founded in Beaumont Square, Mile End, by Barber Beaumont. Initially called the Eastern Athenaeum, this was created for 'the mental and moral improvement' and benefit of local people. It included a museum, library/reading room, concert hall and chapel. When Beaumont died in 1841 he endowed the Institution with a trust fund. The administration of this fund came in for local criticism and the Institution closed in 1879.
In 1882 Sir Edmund Hay Currie took charge of the Beaumont Trust and the People's Palace in the Mile End Road was the result. This went on to become Queen Mary College.
An 1870 map shows a substantial building on the north-west corner of the square, labelled 'Beaumont Institution'.
QMC's Library Services hold this obituary medal (Ref. QM/1/18/2) for Beaumont who died 1841.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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