Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural College (RAC), now the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), was the first agricultural college in the English speaking world with the first students enrolled in September 1845.

Join us for a day of 180th anniversary celebrations, including a lecture about the history of the RAU, activities that all of the family can enjoy, tours of the campus and much more. Food and drink will be available, for guests to purchase refreshments.

HISTORY:

The University’s Latin motto ‘Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’ is taken from Virgil’s Georgics, which dates back to around 29BC, and translates as ‘Caring for the Fields and the Beasts’.

Queen Victoria granted the Royal Charter to the College in the same year and Sovereigns have been Patrons ever since, visiting in every reign. His Majesty King Charles III became President in 1982 while he was the Prince of Wales.

Construction of the main building took exactly one calendar year and was built on the site of an ancient farmhouse, now the Bathurst Wing, and the Tithe Barn. Construction of the University’s Chapel followed soon after. While many more modern buildings – including lecture theatres, offices, laboratories, and halls of residence - have been added to the main campus over recent years, the older part still looks (externally at least) much as it did in 1845.

Since then, it has grown from strength to strength; gaining university status in 2013.

For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1100-1600

Location & directions

Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6JS

Contact on day:

RAU Open Days

Telephone number:

+441285652531

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Dogs on leads are welcome in the University grounds but only assistance dogs are permitted in the buildings.

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