James II
James II · King of ScotsAs King of Scots, James II requested the foundation of a university from the pope. Royal support formed part of the political context of its establishment.
History
Selected milestones since the University's foundation in 1451.
THE FOUNDATION / 1451
Three figures associated with the foundation
On 7 January 1451, Pope Nicholas V issued the papal bull founding the University of Glasgow at the request of James II, King of Scots. Written in Latin, it was addressed to William Turnbull, Bishop of Glasgow.
Their roles were distinct: the king made the formal request, the pope issued the authorising document, and the bishop advanced the local organisation of the University. The University's brief history identifies Turnbull as the central force behind its foundation.
William Turnbull
William Turnbull · Bishop of GlasgowTurnbull was Bishop of Glasgow from 1447 to 1454. He promoted the foundation and helped shape the University's early organisation and governance.
Nicholas V
Nicholas V · PopeNicholas V issued the papal bull authorising a new centre of learning with teaching in canon law, civil law, theology and the arts.
Foundation of the University
The University was established in 1451. Early teaching took place in the Chapter House of Glasgow Cathedral, before moving to other nearby premises.
Adam Smith enrols
Smith began his studies at Glasgow and returned to teach in 1751. Both his student and professorial years preceded the move to Gilmorehill.
Watt works at the University
The University employed Watt to work on scientific instruments. His role connected instrument making, teaching experiments and natural-philosophy research.
The Chair of Engineering
Glasgow established a Chair of Engineering, described by its engineering school as the first in the United Kingdom.
The move to Gilmorehill
The University moved from the High Street area to Gilmorehill in the West End, with a new main building designed by George Gilbert Scott.
Women's higher education
Queen Margaret College merged with the University. Two years later, Glasgow produced Scotland's first women medical graduates.
Medical ultrasound
Research involving Glasgow professor Ian Donald published ultrasound images of a foetus, marking an important development in medical imaging.