Chapter X

Summary

The Academy reopened in the beginning of 1826, and in consequence of the great increase that had taken place in the number from the admission of extra-students, it was considered desirable to have more accommodation, and accordingly the lease of the adjoining house, No. 5, Tenterden Street, was purchased for the sum of £853, and the entire premises were occupied by the Academy, a communication having been made between the two houses.

In February of this year, a petition was prepared to be forwarded to Mr. Peel (the late Sir Robert Peel), praying that His Majesty George IV would be graciously pleased to grant a Charter to the Royal Academy of Music. This petition was forwarded, with the following letter from Lord Burghersh.

LORD BURGHERSH TO SIR R. PEEL.

“February 1826.

“Sir,

“I have the honour of enclosing a petition from the noblemen and gentlemen whose names are thereunto fixed, the prayer of which is that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to incorporate them, together with those forming at present the Governor, the Directors, and the Committee of Management of the Royal Academy, into a chartered company, for the purpose of carrying into effect the object therein stated.