1830s
Palace of Mary of Guise
The Castlehill townhouse was built for Mary of Guise in 1544 and demolished to clear space for New College.
Browse highlights from our history
Explore our timeline from 1830 to the present and beyond
1840s
Walkout splits the Church and divides Divinity Faculty
On the 18th of May Reverend David Welsh led a walk out ministers from the opening session of the Church of Scotland' General Assembly.
William Playfair called in
New College's dominating presence was envisioned by Playfair, arguably Scotland's foremost architect
Laying of the Foundation Stone
Rev Thomas Chalmers laid the foundation stone for New College on 3rd June 1846.
1890s
Helpers in the library
Student helpers assisted Prof David Welsh when he was gathering the College's first library collection.
Phoebe Anna Traquair “Address of the Young Women’ Class to Rev Whyte”
This illuminated manuscript was produced to mark Alexander Whyte's election as Moderator.
1900s
New College Jubilee
Jubilee celebrations were set for 1900 (rather than 1896) so that they could coincide with the extension of New College.
Death of Principal Rainy
Robert Rainy was Principal of New College 1874-1906 and also first Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Free Church in 1900.
1930s
Merger of New College and University Faculty of Divinity
The Faculty of Divinity moved to New College in 1935.
1930s
Library relocation
The move of the High Kirk congregation to Morningside allowed for the library's expansion in a new premises
Briefcase reveals the lifelong friendships of pre-war students
An aged suitcase gives insight into the student days and later experiences of the 'Class of '38'.
1940s
Students watch over New College during air raids
'Firewatchers' log book' shows humour and anxieties of those on guard
1940s
Centenary
New College celebrated its 100th Anniversary (Centenary) on the 3rd June 1946.
1960s
Same building, new start
In a shift away from the Church of Scotland, the buildings of New College and Mylnes Court were ceded to the University of Edinburgh in 1961.
1980s
Pope John Paul II visits New College
New College witnessed the historic meeting of Pope John Paul II and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland
Treasures of the New College collection
Part of the The Funk project was cataloguing and preserving items from New College archives.
2010s
Rainy Hall Restorations
In September 2018, work began to restore Rainy Hall in time for the General Assembly in May 2019.
2020s
175th Anniversary Celebrations
In 2021, we celebrated the 175th anniversary of the day when Dr Thomas Chalmers laid the foundation stone of New College on the Mound: 3 June 1846.
Welcome
Welcome to the New College online Exhibition! We’ve been teaching Divinity at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583. But our beautiful and iconic New College building has just reached its 175th anniversary and we think that’s something to celebrate.
These walls have seen a great deal of change since the foundation stone was laid on 3rd June 1846. Click on our timeline to travel back to the past – to the time when the site was occupied by Mary of Guise’s royal palace, to the disruption of the Church and the war years, and to see our links with the city and the wider world. You’ll be able to meet the pioneering staff who taught here, read the stories of an incredibly diverse student body, and see an array of historical documents.
Over the coming months, we’ll be adding to the site. You’ll find digitised graduation photos, objects from the New College strong-room, and interviews with former students, staff and friends.
And if you have anything to contribute yourself, please get in touch.
Professor Helen Bond, Head of School
Explore some of New College rooms through 360° images
Rainy Hall
Rainy Hall is a social dining hall located in New College used for studying and events.
The first female Head of School
In 2018 Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins, became New College's first female Head of School since its founding in 1846.
Library
All about the library.