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Place of Learning
 St Andrews
University is the oldest in Scotland and the third oldest in Britain. Again, it was the status of the town as a centre
of religion that promoted the creation of a university, which was founded in 1411 by Bishop Henry Wardlaw. You can
visit the quads of two of the colleges - St Salvator's in North Street, endowed in 1450, and St Mary's in South Street,
endowed in 1538. Visitors to St Mary's Quad can still see a thorn tree said to have been planted by Mary Queen of
Scots. The third college was St Leonard's, endowed in 1511, which is now an independent co-educational school, but you
can still reach its Chapel, which was formerly a hospice for pilgrims.
 Claims to Fame
The University has many claims to fame. A session of the Scottish Parliament met in St Mary's in 1645-46. Its firsts
include the first woman to enrol as a student in Britain in 1862, the first marine laboratory in 1882, and the first
students' union in about 1864. Uniquely in Scotland, some students still wear distinctive red gowns about the town and
while promenading along the harbour pier each Sunday.
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Kate Kennedy's Procession |
An important date in the students' year takes place in late spring, when they organise Kate Kennedy's
Procession. This is a lively event which collects money for charity. It takes its name from a niece of Bishop James
Kennedy, a legendary character from the town's past. The bell of St Salvator's College, cast in 1460, bears a
dedication to her, but she remains largely mysterious. Her part is played each year by a first year male student. The
Procession dates back to the 1840s when it began as an end of term riot perpetrated by final year students on the
University and town! |
Schools |
St Andrews is home to two famous schools. St Leonard's, bearing the name of the former University
College, was established as an independent school for girls in 1877, but now also accepts boys.
Madras College, now a modern secondary school, was founded in 1832 by a Dr Bell whose wealth came from service in
India. |
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