In 1895 the LSE was born with little to suggest that it would one day become one of the most influential and respected universities in the world. But how did the "School" come into being in the first place? What role did key figures like Sidney and Beatrice Webb play? What was their vision? Was it ever realized? And how did this relatively small, somewhat ill-housed, often poorly resourced, and frequently much-criticized institution that many saw as the enemy of the established order, come to play such a key role in British and global politics over the next century?
Michael Cox is Director of LSE IDEAS and Professor of International Relations at LSE.
Sue Donnelly is LSE Archivist.
An Odd Adventure! Ever wanted to know where LSE first opened its doors, when International Relations arrived at LSE and who was LSE’S first black academic? Find out more about these and other questions in the history of LSE pop up exhibition which will be in the NAB throughout the Literary Festival. You can also read more about LSE's history via the LSE History blog.
This event forms part of the LSE Space for Thought Literary Festival 2015, taking place from Monday 23 - Saturday 28 February 2015, with the theme 'Foundations'.
Suggested hashtag for this event for Twitter users: #LSElitfest #LSE120
Podcast & Video
A podcast and video of this event are available to download from The 'School': the LSE from the Webbs to the Third Way
Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.