The Chair of Experimental Physics in the University of Cambridge was founded by a Grace of the Senate on the 9th of February 1871.

In October 1870 the Duke of Devonshire, who was Chancellor of the University, had signified his desire to build and furnish a Physical Laboratory for Cambridge. In acting as a member of the Royal Commission on Scientific Education, he had perceived how useful such an institution might be made. It was in connection with the acceptance of this munificent offer that the new professorship was established by the Senate.

The question, who should be the first professor? was for some time attended with anxiety. It was understood that Sir William Thomson had declined to stand, and it was thought uncertain whether Clerk Maxwell could be persuaded to leave the retirement of his country-seat. After some hesitation, arising chiefly from genuine diffidence, he was induced to become a candidate, on the understanding that he might retire at the end of a year, if he wished to do so. His candidature was announced on the 24th of February. There was no opposition, and he was appointed on the 8th of March.