Many Study Sessions
Deborah Britland
Deborah Britland was Social Secretary, Vice President and President of the History Society during her time at Edinburgh University (2008-2012.) Here’s what she remembers….
Deborah Britland at her graduation in 2012
“My favourite lecturer was Dr Alan F. Day, who introduced me to American history – which I went on to study in both third and fourth year. He was old school: no flashy PowerPoints, but overhead projector slides and a dictatorial style which left you wanting to learn more. As a joke, we actually got “I Heart Alan Day” t-shirts printed for his retirement.
Other memories include the fantastic social events the History Society ran. From bar crawls to the annual ball, each one was a fantastic laugh, which always ended up a little messy.
The History Society wins ‘Best Society’ at the EUSA Oscars 2010
I was also part of the team who won the “Best Society of the Year” Award from EUSA, and responsible for organising the History Society’s involvement in the University charity naked calendar…”
Keith Otto
Keith Otto studied at the University of Edinburh between 1979-1983, reading MA Hons Economics. Specifically, Keith did several courses in Economic History and undertook several modules on Development Economics and Contemporary Economic systems. Below, Steve reflects on some of his courses.
‘Junior lecturer in Economic History was quite good. We overlooked his penchant for stripy jumpers – TC Smout is now considered one of the foremost Scottish Historians.
Others were equally good. I may not have had a happy time at Edinburgh University, but certainly could not complain about the course, or indeed the quality of the teaching.
The irony of graduating in absentia, attending dozens of other people’s graduation ceremonies as a Uni administrator (including the most famous so far this century !), has not been entirely lost on me.
Attended a couple of British Empire History (BEH) Reading parties at the Burn just north of Edzell which were great fun. Loads of booze, great atmosphere and some interesting debates. Looked closely at the work of VS Naipaul – now considered one of the great writers of the first post-colonial generation. Not sure that we ever really got to grips with the croquet lawn !
Saddest memory would be the funeral of one of our BEH lecturers – Philip Wringley was killed climbing Stuc’a Chroin, leaving a widow and two small children.’
Penelope Reilly
Penelope Reilly studied at the University of Edinburgh in the early 60s. Her husband, John, also served as the President of the Society during his time here. Penelope remembers her time on History Sports and the many events that were held…
‘The meetings were held in the history library in the Old Quad ( which is where most of our lectures and seminars took place). The chairman was one Sandy Macpherson when I was a member. The most memorable meetings were the trials. We tried Richard III for the murder of the little princes and Gladstone for the death of Gordon at Khartoum. They were excellent occasions: very fiercely debated and extremely well-researched by the prosecution and defence. Feelings rose high and there were great arguments. I think both the accused were found guilty though there was strong support for Henry V11 as the guilty party. The library was packed on both occasions.
I also played hockey for the Historical Society on Saturday mornings in the meadows, near the Dick Vet school. I think the standard of play was pretty low and the games were quite dangerous as none of us were experienced hockey players!
Altogether it was a very active society and I enjoyed being a member.’
Images from the school of History Classics and Archaeology’s Student Research Room. History students are lucky enough to have access to this beautiful study space. An invaluable resource- especially with the busyness of the main library!
The View of the Student Research Room, situated in the William Robertson Wing.
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