The RGS and the Foundations of Geography at Oxford

Although geography had been taught in several colleges of Oxford Uni? versity from at least the middle of the sixteenth century, the subject was of little importance when the RGS first approached the University in 1871. With RGS help, a Readership was established in 1887 and H. J. Mackinder appointed. The Society's contributions were increased when, in 1899, a School of Geography was founded and a diploma course was introduced. A. J. Herbertson joined Mackinder as assistant to the Reader and himself held the Readership from 1905 to his death in 1915. Financial and other problems during the First World War were overcome with the help of the RGS who continued to support the Oxford School financially until 1924 by which date some ?11 000 had been contributed. In spite of the promptings of the RGS, not until 1932 was a chair of geography established and an Honour School introduced.