Benjamin Golding

Benjamin Golding (7 September 1793 – 21 June 1863) was a British doctor and the founder of Charing Cross Hospital. He was born on 7 September 1793 in the town of St Osyth, Essex. In 1815 he began medical practice in his house, which was open particularly to the poor. It was at this time that Golding conceived the idea of a medical school being integral to a hospital, to ensure the needy were cared for in the present and future.

Golding died on 21 June 1863 and is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London. Since 31 March 2012, it has become tradition for Imperial College medical students in their final year to visit Golding's tomb on the day of their final year dinner, to honour their teachers and to be inspired to emulate Golding's achievements.