University of Glasgow Memorial Gates facts for kids

The Memorial Gates at the University of Glasgow are special gates built in 1952. They celebrate the University's 500th birthday, which was in 1951. These gates act as an entrance through the fence around the University's main campus on Gilmorehill.

You can find them in front of the Hunter Memorial and the Hunterian Museum. The big gates in the middle are usually locked, but the smaller gates for people on the left and right are open during the day. The gates show the names of thirty important people connected to the University. These gates are also a protected historical building.

Why Were the Gates Built?

The Memorial Gates were put up in 1952 to remember the University's 500th anniversary. This big birthday happened in 1951. The gates were a gift to the University from its former students, known as the General Council. They were officially presented on June 18, 1952. The gates are attached to older stone pillars that were built way back in 1889.

What Do the Gates Look Like?

The Memorial Gates were designed by an architect named A Graham Henderson. The whole structure has two large central gates, big enough for cars to drive through. These are held up by tall stone gateposts. On each side, there's a smaller gate just for people walking.

The gates are set back a bit from the main fence. Curved stone walls connect them to the fence. The main gates have the names of thirty important people linked to the University. There's also a design of the University Mace (a special staff) running between the two large gates.

On top of the gateposts, you can see a lion and a unicorn. These are symbols often seen in Scottish history. The dates 1451 and 1951 are also carved on the posts, marking the University's founding and its 500th year. The two smaller pedestrian gates have symbols from the University's old student groups, called "nations."

One of the curved walls shows the University's motto, Via, Veritas, Vita. This means "The Way, The Truth, The Life." The other wall has a Latin message, Almae Matri Alumni Pietatis Causa. This means "To their nourishing mother, out of devotion from her alumni," showing the students' loyalty to their University.

Who Are the People Named on the Gates?

The Memorial Gates honor many important people connected to the University. Here are some of the names you can find:

Here are some of the notable people and their connections:

• James II: He was the King of Scotland when the University was founded in 1451.
• William Turnbull: He was the Bishop of Glasgow and helped found the University.
• James Watt: A famous inventor, known for improving the steam engine.
• Adam Smith: Often called the "father of modern economics," he wrote a very important book called The Wealth of Nations. He was a professor at the University.
• Lord Kelvin: A brilliant physicist who made many discoveries about electricity and heat.
• Joseph Lister: A doctor who changed surgery by introducing sterile (germ-free) methods, saving many lives.
• Donald Dewar: He was the first person to hold the position of First Minister of Scotland.
• John Smith: A well-known politician who led the Labour Party in the UK.

The names of Donald Dewar and John Smith were added to the gates in 2001. This was during the University's 550th anniversary. It was to recognize their important work in Scottish politics.

Images for kids

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  The Memorial Gates in the snow