Key dates
Since it was established in 1844, the RCVS has played a unique and important role in the veterinary profession. On this page is a timeline of key dates, starting from the formation of the college and including significant changes in legislation.
1844
RCVS was formed after the Royal Charter was granted. Veterinary practice became a profession distinguished by the title “veterinary surgeon”. Thomas Turner was the first President of the RCVS, from 1844-1851.
1844
Granting of the Coat of Arms.
1853
Acquired the lease of 10 Red Lion Square. Prior to 1853 the RCVS had no home and council meetings were held in the Freemasons’ Tavern.
1881
The first Veterinary Surgeons Act was passed, which confirmed the Charters and authorised the establishment of a Register and imposed certain restrictions on unauthorised people.
1883
Acquired the freehold of 10 Red Lion Square.
1914
Further Royal Charter was granted.
1920
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1881 Amendment Act imposed an annual fee of £1 and 1s on all members practising in the UK.
1922
Aleen Cust became the first woman to become an MRCVS.
1939
Acquired 9 Red Lion Square.
1940
Relocated to Wembley and then to Harrogate, with the exception of the Library which continued to operate from Red Lion Square until 1941. The building in Red Lion Square was hit by bombs on 10 May 1941.
1948
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1948 set up the current system under which veterinary degrees awarded by UK universities may be recognised. The degrees of the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London were recognised.
1949
A Supplementary Veterinary Register was set up for existing practitioners who did not hold relevant formal qualifications.
1952
On her accession to the throne, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted her patronage to the RCVS.
1960
Moved out of Red Lion Square into temporary accommodation in Kensington.
1962
Moved into 32 Belgrave Square.
1966
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 consolidated and updated all previous legislation.
1967
Supplemental Charter revoked all the previous Supplemental Charters. It restated and consolidated provision of the previous Charters which were not covered by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
1994
The RCVS celebrated its 150th anniversary with a wide range of events under the Charter 150 banner.
1995
Moved into Belgravia House, Horseferry Road.
1999
Council voted to allow lay people to sit as observers with its Preliminary Investigation Committee.
2002
Veterinary Nurses Council established.
2005
Practice Standards Scheme established.
2007
Professional Development Phase introduced for new veterinary graduates.
Non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses opened.
2010
First veterinary nurse takes seat on RCVS Council.
2012
Guides to professional conduct are replaced by new Codes of Professional Conduct for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
2013
Legislative Reform Order (LRO) to reconstitute RCVS disciplinary committees separately from RCVS Council came into force on 6 April amending the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
2015
The Supplemental Charter of 2015 was granted on 17 February 2015.
2018
Legislative Reform Order (LRO) to reform the governance arrangements of the RCVS came into force in May amending the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
2025
Moved into 1 Hardwick Street, Clerkenwell.
