Find out more about our Historical Tours
of the University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451 by Bishop Turnbull and King James II, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest in Scotland. With its original location to the east of the city near Glasgow Cathedral, in 1870 the University was moved – in some cases, stone by stone – to what were once the green hills of Gilmorehill but is now the sought after cultural hub that is Glasgow’s West End. In each century of its existence, the University of Glasgow has pushed the boundaries of imagination and ingenuity.
On the tour, you will discover how the university has nurtured several Nobel laureates, two British Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland as well as a host of scientists, engineers, philosophers, writers, lawyers and artisans who have had a profound impact on the world as we know it. From the realms of science & engineering, the arts, politics and the law, Glasgow’s influence is felt across the globe. It’s no mere boast that world changers have walked the halls of Glasgow.