When I started my initial research on the work of the RGS in the field of Education, I quickly came across the idea of exploration as being bound up with its approach to the world. Many of the Fellows were connected to explorers, but for others, it was the opportunity to hear from those who had been to distant places and achieved some 'firsts' (although the indigenous people were probably the real achievers here).
Natalie Cox has written about the idea of "armchair geography" and "armchair geographers".
Natalie Cox's PhD thesis is on the theme of armchair geography. (PDF download)
Natalie says this of the formation of the RGS:
The formal announcement for the new Society was made at a meeting of the Raleigh Travellers’ Club, a dining society formed in 1827 for showcasing the literal fruits of the labours of travel. However, this club did not directly work to advance the development of geographical science.
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