Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) is considered the spiritual founder of UCL. Although he did not actually play an active role in its creation, it is noted that he was the inspiration for the first English university to open its doors to everyone, regardless of race, creed or political belief. Bentham firmly believed that education should be more widely available, and not just to those who were wealthy, as was the norm at the time.
Who is Jeremy Bentham
Bentham was a philosopher and throughout his life he campaigned for social and political reform and his utilitarian principles helped him create the higher principle and calculation of happiness.
Why is her body on display
Bentham requested in his will that his body be preserved and stored in a wooden cabinet and this should be called his “Auto-Icon.” Originally, Bentham’s body was kept by his disciple, Dr. Southwood Smith, then UCL acquired his body in 1850 and has kept it on public display ever since.
Preserving your body
The Auto-Icon has a wax head. They tell us that the real boss is in a mummified state locked up in the university. After his death, and again, at his request, University students dissected his body for medical research, and Dr. Southwood Smith reassembled his skeleton and seated it in his favorite chair. Bentham detailed exactly what he wanted done in his last will and testament so that there were clear instructions to follow.
How to find the Jeremy Bentham self-icon
The closest tube stations are Euston Square / Warren Street. On Gower Street between Grafton Way and University Street, enter the UCL grounds at Porter’s Lodge. You come to an open courtyard. Head to the right corner further away and there is a ramp entrance to the southern cloisters, the Wilkins building. Jeremy Bentham’s Self-Icon is right inside.
It is another part of the strange and wonderful to be found in London! Learn more about the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon on the UCL website.
What to do nearby
Check out Free Family Day Out in Central London, including a visit to the Jeremy Bentham Auto-Icon. Also at UCL, there is the Grant Museum of Zoology and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archeology. Just around the corner on Euston Road is the Wellcome Collection. Also, the British Museum is about a 15-minute walk away.
