Deans Court

Last updated

Deans Court
DeansCourt.jpg
The main entrance of Deans Court
Deans Court
General information
Type Student residence
Architectural style Scottish Vernacular
AddressNorth Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QT
Town or city St Andrews, Fife
CountryScotland, United Kingdom
Coordinates 56°20′25″N2°47′21″W / 56.3403°N 2.7893°W / 56.3403; -2.7893 Coordinates: 56°20′25″N2°47′21″W / 56.3403°N 2.7893°W / 56.3403; -2.7893
Completedc. 12th century
Renovatedc. 16th century
1951
1975
Owner University of St Andrews
Website
Deans Court

Deans Court is a student hall of residence at the University of St Andrews originating from the 12th century, thus, arguably, the oldest dwelling house in the town of St Andrews, Scotland. It stands at the east-end of St Andrews, where North street and South street converge. The entrance of the courtyard opens up to the ancient, ruined, St Andrews cathedral. The Hall is open exclusively to postgraduates, and comprises the main building and four annexes, two on North Street, two on South Street. Current residents are affectionately known as Deans Courtiers, Deans Courtesans, or Deans Beans.

Contents

Deans Court as seen from North Street Deans Court St Andrews.jpg
Deans Court as seen from North Street
The vaulted dining room DeansCourtDiningRoom.jpg
The vaulted dining room
The shield of Deans Court hall of residence. DC Crest2.png
The shield of Deans Court hall of residence.
Two coats of arms that can be found around Deans Court. On the left is that of George Douglas above the main gate, on the right that of the Stirling family above the entrance to the garden. Deans Court coats of arms.jpg
Two coats of arms that can be found around Deans Court. On the left is that of George Douglas above the main gate, on the right that of the Stirling family above the entrance to the garden.

History

The main building of Deans Court has its origins in the twelfth century, when its vaulted core served as a section of the Archdeacon's manse. [1] Today, the vault is used as the dining hall. A small armorial plaque, moved from its original site, bears the arms of James Haldenstone, Prior from 1418 to 1443. Although most Priory lands were seized during the Reformation, Deans Court was saved by Sir George Douglas, an elder of the Parish Church who had helped Mary, Queen of Scots, escape from imprisonment at Loch Leven. Douglas remodelled Deans Court around 1585, adding a round-arched foot-gate in the courtyard above which his coat of arms can still be seen (though severely weathered) and possibly extending the property to the west. Stones from the ruined cathedral were used as a source of building material.

In the 17th century, at least a section of the building was home to the Scottish astronomer and mathematician James Gregory, who was Professor of Mathematics at the University from 1668 to 1674. The building was Victorianized in 1876 and became home to the Stirling family, whose coat of arms can still be seen above the archway to the inner garden. The building served as an annexe of St Leonards School for several years until 1930, when the property was acquired for the University by Sir James Irvine, and was heavily renovated over the subsequent two decades with funds received from ICI and The Carnegie Trust. Irvine's vision for the hall being one where "guests would be brought to dine and conversation would flourish: a fertile environment for a cross-disciplinary community of scholars". [2] It was re-opened as a postgraduate hall of residence in 1951, and is now home to some 54 postgraduate students. The University's coat of arms can be seen over the main door way, along with the University's motto, ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ (Greek : Ever To Excel). Over the doorway of the dining hall the beginning of the University of St Andrews Latin Blessing is carved in stone: Sit Nomen Domini Benedictum (Blessed be the name of the Lord). [3]

In the courtyard, there is a ‘mysterious’ stone. Many experts from the University have examined it, and the most likely theory, though not certain, is that it is a Bronze-Age cist slab. It has been in courtyard since at least 1854, as demonstrated by its presence on an Ordnance Survey town plan from that year, but is it not known where it came from before that. It is said that current plans from the University are to relocate it to the garden at the Museum of The University of St Andrews, despite residents' disappointment in potentially seeing this artefact being removed from its original bicentenary location, without even being protected from atmospheric agents.

Facilities

A plaque that sits atop one of the doorways leading from the lobby detailing when Deans Court was opened as a postgraduate residence, with thanks to those who funded renovations. Deans Court plaque common room entrance.png
A plaque that sits atop one of the doorways leading from the lobby detailing when Deans Court was opened as a postgraduate residence, with thanks to those who funded renovations.

Deans Court comprises three buildings:

The Main Building, which contains 21 rooms. This is the oldest residential building in St Andrews. All Deans Court students can access this building. As well as bedrooms, bathrooms and four student kitchens, this building also contains the Common Room, two libraries, the dining room and the House Manager’s Office.

The North Street annexe, made up of 3 North Street and 11 North Street. The former contains 6 rooms and the latter 8. Each house has its own kitchen and bathrooms.

The South Street annexe (3-5 South Street), made up of 20 rooms, bathrooms and two kitchens. This can be accessed via South Street itself but also through the Main Building Garden.

In addition to the beautiful heritage listed buildings, Deans Court also possesses a large main garden, accessible via the courtyard, and a small vegetable garden tucked away on one side. The latter is tended by the residents with advice from the University's Edible Campus and Transition teams. The vegetable garden is accessible by the community, and is an opportunity for the residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Traditions

The Crichton Cup

At the end of each academic year residents engage in the Crichton Cup (a golf tournament named after The Admirable Crichton). This tournament has been run in the garden for 50 years. The course follows the landscape of the garden, with the holes demarcated by the trees. A plaque displaying the course is in the common room, and each year the person with the best score overall and the best score for the Long Hole is recorded. In 2017, the safety aspects of the game were called into question when one stray ball found its way into the dining hall after smashing through the window. It is now recommended that residents remember to board the windows before the competition begins. This infamous ball now resides in the common room in a display case, as a memento and source of inspiration for students to come.

Croquet

Croquet is a long-standing tradition within Deans Court. It has been played as long as anyone can remember. Whenever it is sunny, students can often be found playing in the garden with the Deans Court croquet set. It is not uncommon for residents whose occupation has spanned a few years to teach the game to new residents.

Bobby Jones Fellowship and Scholarships

Since 1976, five students from the Emory University who have excelled academically are awarded one year of graduate study at the University of St Andrews, and Deans Court has long been their accommodation during their stay. This programme has been offered to honour the late Robert T. Jones, Jr., an internationally renowned golfer and Emory alumnus.

Formal dinners

Four times per year (twice a semester), black-tie formal dinners are held in the dining room. This is preceded by a drinks reception in the Common Room. Guest speakers, often illustrious members of the town and university, are invited to address the residents. This is also an opportunity for the residents to showcase their talents, and it is not uncommon for pre- or post-dinner entertainment to occur. Even more illustrious performances have been given, including one from world-famous KT Tunstall.

It is traditional for formal student dinners in the University of St Andrews to begin with the University's Latin Blessing: Sit nomen Domini benedictum per Jesum Christum Salvatorem Nostrum. Amen. (Blessed be the name of the Lord through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.) and with the Latin Grace: Gloria Patri Filio Sprituique Sancto in saecula saeculorum. Amen. (Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. World Without End. Amen.) When the meal is finished, the dinner concludes with Deo Gratias (Thanks be to God).

Semi-formal Friday

Semi-formal Friday is a fairly new tradition which gives residents the opportunity to use their postgraduate gowns. These differ from the famous red undergraduate gown of the University, and are black with burgundy front folds. Residents dress a little more smartly for dinner to which they can bring wine, if they are so inclined. This happens at Friday dinner every week.

Garden parties

The Welcome BBQ in September is one of the first social events of the year used to welcome new students. Immediately, residents are invited to partake in traditions such as croquet to bring together residents old and new. Throughout the year, residents take advantage of the Deans Court gardens with various events accompanied by drinks, music, and games.

The main garden is also a popular location for Deans Court alumni to hold weddings and wedding photo-shoots. Indeed, many couples meet over the dining table in the 900 year-old dining room, and it is only fitting that many return to take their vows at the same location that brought them together.

Alumni Activity

Through the years there have been a few alumni groups associated with Deans Court. In more recent years, these have mostly been focused on particular year groups. As of 2019, however, a new Deans Court Alumni Association was founded by the residents, with the aim of fostering the friendships developed between the residents of each year, in addition to developing the inter-year network, and charting the history and experiences of the residents.

The Deans Court Alumni Association is affiliated with the University of St Andrews, and was received with great enthusiasm, both from the younger and older generations of Deans Court alumni. They have a Facebook page as well as their own website.

Related Research Articles

Brasenose College, Oxford College of the University of Oxford

Brasenose College (BNC) is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It began as Brasenose Hall in the 13th century, before being founded as a college in 1509. The library and chapel were added in the mid-17th century and the new quadrangle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Queens College, Oxford College of the University of Oxford

The Queen's College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, England. The college was founded in 1341 by Robert de Eglesfield in honour of Queen Philippa of Hainault. It is distinguished by its predominantly neoclassical architecture, which includes buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor.

University College, Oxford Constituent College of Oxford University

University College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. It has a claim to being the oldest college of the university, having been founded in 1249 by William of Durham.

University of St Andrews Public university in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland

The University of St Andrews is a public university in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and, following Oxford and Cambridge universities, the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. St Andrews was founded in 1413 when the Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII issued a papal bull to a small founding group of Augustinian clergy. Along with the universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, St Andrews was part of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century.

Emmanuel College, Cambridge College of the University of Cambridge

Emmanuel College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. The college was founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Elizabeth I. The site on which the college sits was once a priory for Dominican monks, and the College Hall is built on the foundations of the monastery's nave. Emmanuel is one of the 16 "old colleges", which were founded before the 17th century.

Branford College

Branford College is one of the 14 residential colleges at Yale University.

Davenport College

Davenport College is one of the fourteen residential colleges of Yale University. Its buildings were completed in 1933 mainly in the Georgian style but with a gothic façade along York Street. The college was named for John Davenport, who founded Yale's home city of New Haven, Connecticut. An extensive renovation of the college's buildings occurred during the 2004–2005 academic year as part of Yale's comprehensive building renovation project. Davenport College has an unofficial rivalry with adjoining Pierson College.

Winthrop House Residential House of Harvard College

John Winthrop House is one of twelve undergraduate residential Houses at Harvard University. It is home to approximately 400 upperclass undergraduates.

Lowell House is one of twelve undergraduate residential Houses at Harvard University, located at 10 Holyoke Place facing Mount Auburn Street between Harvard Yard and the Charles River. Officially, it is named for the Lowell family, but an ornate ALL woven into the ironwork above the main gate discreetly alludes to Abbott Lawrence Lowell, Harvard's president at the time of construction. Its majestic neo-Georgian design, centered on two landscaped courtyards, received the 1938 Harleston Parker Medal and might be considered the model for later Harvard houses nearby. Lowell House is simultaneously close to the Yard, Harvard Square, and other Harvard "River" houses, and its blue-capped bell tower, visible for many miles, is a local landmark.

Newman College, Melbourne

Newman College is an Australian Roman Catholic co-educational residential college affiliated with the University of Melbourne. During the university year it houses about 220 undergraduate students and about 80 postgraduate students and tutors. The college was named after John Henry Newman, a former Anglican and major figure in the Oxford Movement who became a Roman Catholic in the 19th century. Although most strongly affiliated with the University of Melbourne, a small number of undergraduate students attend RMIT University, Monash University's Parkville and City campuses, and the Australian Catholic University.

Wills Hall

Wills Hall is one of more than twenty halls of residence in the University of Bristol. It is located high on the Stoke Bishop site on the edge of the Bristol Downs, and houses c. 370 students in two quadrangles. Almost all of these students are in their first year of study.

Cornell North Campus Residential section of Cornell University

North Campus is a residential section of Cornell University's Ithaca, New York campus. It primarily houses freshmen. North Campus offers programs which ease the transition into college life for incoming freshmen. The campus offers interactions with faculty and other programs designed to increase interaction among members of the freshman class. North Campus is part of Cornell's residential initiative.

International Hall, London

International Hall is a Hall of Residence owned by the University of London and situated on Brunswick Square and Lansdowne Terrace in the Bloomsbury district of London. It is an intercollegiate hall, and as such provides accommodation for full-time students at institutions such as University College, King's College, Queen Mary, School of Oriental and African Studies, the London School of Economics, and other such constituent colleges of the University of London. It is the largest single hall of the University of London.

St Anselm Hall Hall of residence of the University of Manchester

St Anselm Hall, known colloquially as Slems, is a traditional University of Manchester hall of residence situated in Victoria Park.

Dalton-Ellis Hall

Dalton-Ellis Hall is a hall of residence complex at the University of Manchester in Manchester, England. It is situated in the south of the city on Conyngham Road in Victoria Park, next to St Chrysostom's Church. It is close to Wilmslow Road in Rusholme. Dalton-Ellis has 279 male and female residents in catered accommodation. The hall admits both undergraduate and postgraduate students, most are undergraduate first years.

Common room (university) Student organizational body in the British Isles

A common room is a group into which students and the academic body are organised in some universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland – particularly collegiate universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, as well as the University of Bristol, King's College London, Dublin University, Durham University, University of York, University of Kent and Lancaster University. At some Cambridge colleges, it is called a combination room. This terminology has, in addition, been taken up in some universities in other English-speaking nations. The terms JCR, MCR, and SCR are used by Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, and the University of Toronto.

Halls of residence at the University of Bristol are generally located within three distinct areas of Bristol, the City Centre, Clifton and Stoke Bishop.

Quincy House (Harvard College) Residential House of Harvard College

Quincy House is one of twelve undergraduate residential Houses at Harvard University, located on Plympton Street between Harvard Yard and the Charles River. The second largest of the twelve undergraduate houses, Quincy House was named after Josiah Quincy III (1772–1864), president of Harvard from 1829 to 1845. Quincy House's official counterpart at Yale University is Branford College.

St Salvators Hall

St Salvator's Hall is a student hall of residence at the University of St Andrews. It lies close to the quadrangle of the United College, St Andrews and St Salvator's Chapel, a foundation which was endowed by King James II of Scotland. The Hall is in an area between North Street and The Scores. Architecturally, it has been described as a "rambling Gothic dormitory".

Bruce Hall (Australian National University) Residential college in Canberra

Bruce Hall is a residential college of the Australian National University (ANU), in Canberra, Australia. Opened in 1961, the original Bruce Hall was a campus landmark and housed both the first undergraduate hall of residence at the university and the first in Australia to admit both men and women. The college has produced notable alumni across a range of fields.

References

  1. Riddell, Frank and Joan (2013). St Andrews University 1413 to 2013. p. 38.
  2. Julia., Melvin (2011). James Colquhoun Irvine : St Andrews' second founder. Edinburgh: John Donald. ISBN   9781906566319. OCLC   738376813.
  3. "Christmas feasting in St Andrews – Special Collections blog". special-collections.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk. Retrieved 12 April 2022.