King's College, Aberdeen Scotland with the chapel's Crown Tower visible in Winter SCO 6037
The University and King's College of Aberdeen (Collegium Regium Abredonense) was the first university in Aberdeen, the third in Scotland and the fifth in the United Kingdom. In 1495, William Elphinstone, the relatively newly appointed Bishop of Aberdeen, petitioned Pope Alexander VI on behalf of King James IV to create the facility to cure the ignorance he had witnessed within his parish and in the north generally. A papal bull was issued in February 1495 (1491 in the calendar of the day) founding the university; a Royal charter later that year recognised Aberdeen's status as equal to that of Scotland's two existing universities at Glasgow and St Andrews. As a former professor at the University of Paris, Elphinstone modeled the university very much on the continental European tradition. Hector Boece, a fellow professor at Paris, was awarded the status of first Principal of the new institution. The Cromwell Tower was a building built during the 1650s-60s during the period of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, although finished after Charles II had been reinstalled as King. It was originally used for accommodation and had an ornate turret at its top. It continues its function as an observatory to this day The Crown Tower remains one of the most adored, historic and beautiful emblems and icons of our University. However, the Chapel sanctuary which sits beneath the Tower is also a scene and space of beauty, tranquility and peace. It is open to visitors Monday-Friday,
Size: 5620px × 3733px
Location: King's College, University of Aberdeen Regent Walk AB24 3FX Grampian Region Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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