It is the oldest music-related charity in Great Britain, founded in 1738 as the Fund for Decay'd Musicians by a declaration of trust signed by 228 musicians, including Edward Purcell (eldest son of Henry Purcell), Thomas Arne, William Boyce, Richard Carter,[1] Johann Christoph Pepusch, Hilda Wilson,[2] Dr. John Worgan,[3] and George Frideric Handel.
The fund received patronage from George III, and it was incorporated by royal charter in 1790.
In the days before the welfare state, membership of the royal society guaranteed a degree of financial security to professional musicians.
A second royal charter was granted in 1987, confirming its aims to support to all professional musicians (not just members) and their dependents who are in need through illness, disease or old age.
HM King Charles III is Royal Patron of the Society and Dame Judith Weir DBE is President.