University College London UCL as alumni, faculty or researchers. UCL was founded on 11 February 1826 under the name London University, as an alternative to the Anglican universities of Oxford and Cambridge. London University's first Warden was Leonard Horner, who was the first scientist to head a British university. Despite the commonly held belief that the philosopher Jeremy Bentham was the founder of UCL, his direct involvement was limited to the purchase of share No. 633, at a cost of £100 paid in nine instalments between December 1826 and January 1830. In 1828 he did nominate a friend to sit on the council,
University College London Boat Club University College London Boat Club University College London Boat Club (UCLBC) is one of University College London's largest student societies, with over 100 formal members. The club is highly successful and has a rich heritage and has a stated annual goal of qualifying as many crews as possible to race at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women's Regatta. The club currently trains under the coaching team of Tom Wilkinson and Alan Sinclair, and Alan Sherman. Fillip Ljubicic, past UCL and UL oarsman, is UCLBC's Director of Rowing. The club accepts both experienced and novice oarsmen and women (providing