Servitor facts for kids

A servitor was a special kind of student at some old universities, like the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. These students were usually studying for their first degree, which is called being an undergraduate.

What made servitors special was that they often received free housing and sometimes free meals. They also didn't have to pay for their classes. In return, they had certain duties to perform for the university or their college.

Servitors in the Past

At Oxford University

Long ago, at Oxford University, servitors were expected to help out the older, more experienced members of their college, known as fellows. This meant they might have done tasks similar to servants.

Over time, this requirement changed. By the mid-1800s, servitors at Oxford were not really acting as servants anymore. The name "servitor" also started to disappear. Other names, like "clerk" or "Bible-clerk," were used instead at most colleges. The last time the word "servitor" was officially used at Oxford was in 1867. After that, these students were called "exhibitioners," which was another type of scholarship.

At Edinburgh University

The University of Edinburgh also had servitors. Today, the word "servitor" is still used there, but it means something different. At Edinburgh, servitors are now staff members. They help with security, handle mail, and work at the reception desk. They are a bit like "porters" at other universities.

These modern servitors also have important roles at special events. For example, during formal ceremonies, they might carry the university's mace. A mace is a decorated staff that symbolizes authority. They also help guide people to their seats, which is called ushering.