The professorship was originally attached solely to Downing College (although the Professor undertook University activities).
In the early 20th Century, for financial reasons, this professorship, together with the Downing Professor of Medicine, was severed from the College.
The original electors of the chair were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, and the masters of the colleges of Clare, St John's and Downing.
[1] In 1788 Edward Christian, brother of Fletcher Christian, was appointed to the post prior to its official creation 12 years later.
The chair is currently vacant following the departure of Lionel Smith in 2024.