Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Museum Learned society and library for Asian studies
The Royal Asiatic Society in London maintains an Asia-focused research library, manuscript collections and public lectures; scholars and specialist visitors consult its holdings or attend events in the Bloomsbury area.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland is a learned society based in London, founded in 1823 to promote the study of Asia and its cultures. It maintains a specialist library and organises lectures, publications and research activities.
The society is primarily a research and membership organisation rather than a public museum; non‑members can sometimes attend public lectures or consult the library by prior arrangement. Its activities concentrate on academic events, publications and the curation of specialised collections in Asian studies.
Established in the early 19th century, the society brought together scholars, diplomats and travellers with the aim of advancing knowledge about Asia; it has published journals and supported research since its foundation. Over time it has functioned as a central learned body for Oriental studies in Britain.
The society’s premises are in central London; its location places it among the academic and cultural institutions of the Bloomsbury area, with transport links to central London research centres.
- Collections and access: The society runs lectures, publications and a specialist library on Asian studies; access to the library and events is typically for members or by arrangement.
How to Get to Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland #
The society is located in central London; check the events page for exact venue details (some events are held in lecture halls across Bloomsbury and Kensington). Nearest Tube stations vary by venue - common nearby stations include Euston, Russell Square and South Kensington depending on the programme.
Tips for Visiting Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland #
- Check the society's events calendar online before visiting - many lectures, exhibitions and meetings require booking or membership.
- If researching archives, email ahead; the society's library and archives are accessed by appointment.
- Many of the society's public events are held in central London lecture venues rather than a single grand building - confirm location details on event pages.
Best Time to Visit Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland #
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland is a learned society in London focused on Asian studies, hosting lectures, publications and a research library.
Weather & Climate near Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland #
Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (636 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.