University of
St Andrews
 Scotland's
oldest University is St Andrews University and the third oldest in Britain. Recently
Prince William attended the university, drawing much world wide
publicity to St Andrews and its university. There are many
ancient building associated with the university that gives St
Andrews a distinct old town feeling all of its own.
 The
University was originally started in the 15th century
when the Pope gave his blessing by issuing a papal bull. the
early lecturers were clergy giving lessons in the various
ecclesiastical buildings. The universities constitution was
based on that of Orleans in France. Mainly boys were educated
for the church.
The Reformation saw the removal of the
'popish' influence from the university. The university went in
to years of decline after the 1707 Act of Union, when Scotland
agreed to join with England to form the largest free trading
block in Europe. The first EEC we have today!
  In
1826 an investigation was carried out in to the running of the
University which resulted in a teaching curriculum and
reconstruction of University buildings. Despite the numbers of
students dropped to a small number of 130 students. A
recruitment drive was then instigated with the then
unprecedented step of encouraging women to enrol.
The university of St Andrews is steeped in
tradition. One of the colourful traditions is after Sunday
church the students in their red gowns walk the harbour walls.
Another is the popular Kate Kennedy pageant which takes the form
of a procession through the streets of St Andrews, with many
characters of past represented. The main part is played by a
first year student who takes on the part of Kate Kennedy, the
niece of the founder of St Salvators College in the fifteenth
century. This is a popular event for both the students and the
town.
  Another
tradition is that of Patrick Hamilton who was accused of heresy
in 1528 and condemned to burn at the stake. Scotland's first
martyr in the Reformation. You can see his initials in the
cobbles below St Salvator's Tower, where he was burnt. If you
look up to the towers stone work you will see a face in the
stone. This face is said to be that of Patrick Hamilton. The
University tradition is that any student treading on Patrick
Hamilton's initials prior to graduating will have bad luck. This
why you will often see students dancing on his initials after
their graduation from St Andrews University.
Attractions in east Fife / Attractions in St Andrews / Castles and great houses / Churches and cathedrals / Golf / St Andrews University | 
