A Home for Nursing: Behind the Scenes Tour of 20 Cavendish Square

The Royal College of Nursing headquarters at 20 Cavendish Square was built in 1729, and contains many original features, including a grand neoclassical mural-painted staircase.

The most famous resident was Liberal MP Herbert Henry Asquith, who lived here until he became prime minister in 1908. The building was purchased by Lady Cowdray for the RCN in 1920: 20 Cavendish Square became the Cowdray Club (a club for nurses and professional women opened in 1922) and a new, purpose-built College was added at the rear, formally opening in 1926.

Join the RCN Library and Museum team on the first Wednesday of every month on this tour behind the scenes of our building. Explore the history and architecture of the RCN, famous residents – and ghosts – and the creation of a home for nursing. The tour takes around 40 minutes and will end in our exhibition, 'The Art of Nursing', with plenty of time for browsing and questions.

Tickets cost £9 public admission (free to RCN members - you will need your membership number to book)

For more information about what to expect when attending an event, take a look at this guide. Please note that Cowdray Hall and Council Room are used for events, and the tour will only include these two rooms if they are empty.

If you are in the area, why not join a tour at the nearby Royal College of Physicians beforehand? From 1.30–2pm on the first Wednesday of the month, you can enjoy a free guided taster tour to discover 500 years of medicine, history, art and architecture.

Image credit: Royal College of Nursing

Read the full terms and conditions for our events here.