A Home for Nursing: Behind the Scenes Tour of 20 Cavendish Square
05 Nov 2025, 15:00 - 16:00
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A guided tour exploring the history of the RCN building, famous residents – and ghosts – and the creation of a home for nursing.
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)
Read the full terms and conditions for our events here.
RCN Library and Museum
rcn.library@rcn.org.uk
03453373368
20 Cavendish Square
Marylebone
London
W1G ORN
20 Cavendish Square is located behind John Lewis, Oxford Street.
Tube
The nearest stations are Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
Bus
There are many buses routes that stop nearby, including the 10, 25, 55, 73, 98 and 390.
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Page last updated - 15/09/2025
