The Royal London was founded in September 1740 and was originally named the London Infirmary. In September 1740 The London began life when seven men met in the Feathers Tavern in Cheapside, London to found what was originally named The London Infirmary. Like other charities, the London Infirmary (renamed London Hospital in 1748) was founded by professional men, businessmen and philanthropists. However, The London was intended for the sick poor among ‘the merchant seaman and manufacturing classes’: the east End community of the time. 

1904: Queen Alexandra became hospital president, after whom a wing was named, became hospital president in 1904. The Alexandra Wing included an obstetrical ward and a kosher kitchen and accommodation for Jewish patients provided at the request of the Jewish community. The hospital received the first wounded to return from the Western Front during the First World War. Reknowned for former Hospital nurse Edith Cavell.

On the 1 April 2012 The Royal London Hospital became part of Barts Health NHS Trust.