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The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas. The Society moved to 74 Grosvenor Street at the beginning of 1920, when its lease was terminated on 22 Albemarle Street. A 63 year lease was taken on the property and an opening reception was held at the property on 30 March 1920, when the Chinese Minister gave an address. The premises were large enough to sub-let parts. But it was a costly move and in 1932 it was suggested the Society might join the School of Oriental Studies. This was dismissed and the outbreak of war in 1939 disrupted further plans for moving. The society stayed at Grosvenor Street until 1947, when it moved to 56 Queen Anne Street - a move that made a considerable profit for the Society.