This is a past event
Visit the University Collections stand on Discovery Day and have a go at making your own seal and trying some Latin calligraphy from the Foundation Papal Bull.
The Foundation Papal Bull
In 1495, Pope Alexander VI gave his permission for James IV of Scotland to establish a university in Old Aberdeen. The document confirming this was the Foundation Bull. All documents issued by the Papacy had lead seals attached called bulla and were known as bulls.
The Foundation Bull was the work of Bishop William Elphinstone, a lawyer, statesman and diplomat who travelled to Rome to meet with the Pope and carried it back to Scotland. Elphinstone stated a need for a centre of higher learning in the North, exaggerating the remoteness of the region and the state of the people who were described as “rude, ignorant of letters and almost barbarous” on account of their lack of education.
Create your own seal and have a go at some Latin calligraphy
An official papal letter or document would have had a lead seal (or bulla) affixed to it.
Make your own seal using magic clay and the stamps provided. Personalise your seal and stick it onto your own important document when you get home!
Have a go at tracing a section of Latin script from the University’s Papal Bull using ink and quill.
Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities at Elphinstone Hall. Visitors to the University Campus are also welcome to visit the University Collections displays at the Zoology Museum and the "Imagined Norths" exhibition in the Library Gallery.
- Hosted by
- PERU
- Venue
- Elphinstone Hall