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Why Is It Called Cogers?
Historians believe that the name of the society derives from the maxim of
the French philosopher, Rene Descartes - "Cogito Ergo Sum" - "I think therefore
I am". Its founder members were friends of John Wilkes, a leader of popular
agitation against the ministers of George the Third in the cause of freedom
of the press. He was the first of three members of the Cogers to be elected
to the office of Lord Mayor. Since its foundation, the membership list of
the Cogers has also included Aldermen, Members of Parliament, Judges, lawyers,
politicians, editors, journalists, publishers and writers. Many debating
societies were suppressed by an Act of Parliament of 1795. The Cogers survived
by adopting a policy of strict political neutrality. Over the years the
society has provided a platform for the views of Whigs, Tories, Jacobites,
Chartists, Liberals, Conservatives, Socialists, Monarchists, Republicans
and Democrats as well as those owing no allegiance to any political party
or political movement. |
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