The Best of History Society Trips

David Borthwick

David graduated in 1966 and shares his memories of studying history when the department was still located at Old College! Below are his memories as a student at Edinburgh and member of the society.

‘I do recall bus trips to Culross, and the Wallace Monument, invariably ending up in a pub before the journey back to Edinburgh.

There were also debates over various issues usually taking place in the library in the Old Quad. One in particular sticks in the mind. I can’t be sure what the exact phrasing of the debate was but it was something along the lines of: “This house condemns Christopher Columbus for the discovery of America”

For some reason I was playing the part of Columbus, dressed in tights and doublet and sitting in the dock listening to the arguments for and against. The library was crowded and the gallery full. Typically, in the run up to the debate we had consumed several pints and, as the debate continued, I became more and more uncomfortable. Finally, I had to stand and announce that I could not accept the authenticity or authority of the court and must leave – I walked out of the Library amid shouting and cheers, or jeers, chaos breaking out. But I did get outside to relieve myself and returned so that the debate could be concluded. I can’t remember which side won but from my perspective I was mightily relieved!

A picture taken during a History Society day trip to Stirling Castle

Marianne Naylor

“Though I cannot recall specific talks I attended at the Society, I do remember going on a bus trip to Abbotsford organised by the Society. My future husband (Dr.Adam Naylor), was also on this trip, and we both remember the day very fondly – we have remained Scott and Abbotsford enthusiasts!

I think we were both, on the whole, lucky with the lecturers and tutors we had on the History course. I much enjoyed learning more about Scottish history with “Big Bill” Ferguson, and the Byzantine History option with Mike Angold was a window to a previously fairly unknown world!

My husband Adam went on to do his PHD with Owen Dudley Edwards – a legend- so knowledgeable and well read on so many different subjects, he was inspirational- so much so in fact, that Adam taught part time at the University for a while.”

The History Society has also travelled to several international destinations. Pictured is a History Society Trip to Krakow, Poland during the February Reading Week.