In pictures: Royal Agricultural University through the ages
- Published
An agricultural college in Gloucestershire which claims to be the first in the English speaking world, is celebrating its new status as a university with a church service later. This picture illustrates students at a ploughing class in 1930.
The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester has taught students about animal care and agriculture for more than 160 years. In this photo, from 1950, students are gaining hands-on experience with poultry. The university offers courses in business and equine management and food production and supply.
Residents of the Cotswold town have been invited to a Cirencester Parish Church service later to celebrate the achievement. In this image from 1949 students are at work in the chemistry laboratory.
University status was granted on 18 April. Its motto 'Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque', a quote from Virgil's Georgics written in 29 BC, means 'caring for the fields and the beasts'. Traditional haymaking is taking place in this image from 1935.
The university's principal, Professor Chris Gaskell CBE, said: "The university title will benefit our students, their employers and the industries to which they contribute - and agriculture, food and land management are some of the most important industries in the world today." This archive photo shows the class of 1884.
Construction of the college began in April 1845 and it was granted the Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in the same year. Ever since it has had a Sovereign as Patron and in this photo, taken in 1963, Queen Elizabeth can be seen on a tour of the facilities. Since 1984, the Prince of Wales has been the president of the establishment.
When the college first opened in September 1845 it welcomed 25 students through its doors. That number rose to 108 the following year and now it has more than 1,150 students enrolled on 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
The name change has not been welcomed by everyone. Last year, when plans were announced to apply for university status, a petition was launched saying the change in name would act "to the detriment of the reputation, brand, attraction and recognition of the RAC and its Alumni." The petition received more than 1,000 signatures.
Famous students of the university include Jonathan Dimbleby, legendary racehorse trainer Sir Henry Cecil and Prince David Kawanakoa, a member of the Hawaiian Royal family who attended from 1890-1891.
- Published18 April 2013
- Published27 November 2012