Caroline University of Aberdeen

The Caroline University of Aberdeen was an abortive attempt by King Charles I to merge the two colleges of Aberdeen into a single university.

History

Aberdeen was notable for containing two universities in one city, the older King's College, founded by papal bull in 1495, and Marischal College, founded by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, in 1593.

The university was formed on 8 November 1641 when King's College and Marischal College were joined to form a single university, following a decree by Charles I. Following the establishment of the Commonwealth, Parliament ratified the charter, and Oliver Cromwell confirmed the union in 1654. At King's College, a building now known as Cromwell Tower was constructed after Cromwell's army arrived at Aberdeen, partly funded by officers of the Cromwellian army, although it remained unfinished by the disillusion of the Commonwealth, and was finished with funding from the episcopal clergy. In 1652, John Row was made Principal of King's College, replacing William Guild, at the behest of the Cromwellian authorities.
Following the Restoration in 1660, the merger was reversed by the newly crowned Charles II in 1661, as he rescinded all acts that were passed from 1640 to 1648 under the Commonwealth, and Row was removed from his position, despite his attempts to secure the new authorities' favour. In 1663, the university was formerly abrogated at Marischal College, where the college's old privileges were re-confirmed.

In 1787, William Ogilvie of Pittensear, also known as the Rebel Professor, who was at the time the Regius Professor of Humanity at King's College, suggested a union of the colleges, however his suggestion was rejected by seven of the ten professors at King's College, who became known as the 'seven wise Masters'. In 1860, the colleges were finally merged to form the present University of Aberdeen following the passing of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858. Charles I is formally considered one of the university's founders for his role in founding the Caroline University.