Founding of the University of St Andrews

Timeline

1. 1410–1412St Andrews · FifeBecause of the Anglo-Scottish wars and the Church schism, Scottish scholars could no longer study easily in England or Paris; a group of masters with Augustinian connections opened lectures in theology, logic, philosophy, and law at St Andrews. Bishop Henry Wardlaw promptly recognized the community of masters and students by charter.
2. 1413Peñíscola · ValenciaBenedict XIII issued six consecutive bulls at Peñíscola, confirming Wardlaw's charter and granting full university status, permitting the conferral of teaching qualifications valid throughout Christendom in theology, canon law, civil law, arts, and medicine. Scotland's loyalty to the Avignon pope was an important background to the approval.
3. 1414St Andrews · FifeHenry Ogilvy brought the six bulls back to St Andrews, and the town celebrated with ringing bells. The university thereby obtained the legal basis for conferring degrees and became Scotland's first university. Of the six originals, only one—confirming Wardlaw's charter—later survived.