960–1485
It is traditionally thought that the first hospitals in England emerged following the Norman conquest.
1400–1511
Physicians made petitions for regulation in the 15th century, leading to the Physicians and Surgeons Act.
1518
The College of Physicians of London (later Royal College of Physicians of London) was established by a Royal Charter from King Henry VIII.
1539
The dissolution of the monasteries had an impact on the network of hospitals, leper houses and almshouses that had developed around religious institutions.
1540
The Company of Barbers and Surgeons was formed when the Fellowship of Surgeons merged with the Barbers' Company.
1544–74
The citizens of London petitioned King Henry VIII to allow them to re-establish some hospitals.
1617
Early regulation and the establishment of a professional body for apothecaries, the forerunners of general practitioners.
1700s
While the church had driven the establishment of hospitals until the 18th century, thereafter modern philanthropy dominated.
1785
The London Hospital Medical College was the first purpose-built medical college in England.
