University of Copenhagen documents

Scope and Content

Translations into English of charters, statutes, and resolutions relating to the University of Copenhagen from 1788-1837, entitled 'xxiv documents relating to the University of Copenhagen', and dated 11 Dec 1837. Includes the royal charter of 7 May 1788, and lists of lectures for 1835-1836, as well as material on the syllabus, examinations, the University's Polytechnic School (founded in 1829). The translations are followed by an appendix headed 'Remarks on the xxiv documents...', which serves as an introduction to the documents.
Both items are in the same hand, and their title-pages bear the stamp of the 'Translator To Her Brit. Maj. Mission. Copenhagen.' The title-page to the first item is bound at the end.
Inserted at the front of the volume is a [holograph?] letter dated 19 Apr 1838 from Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, Foreign Secretary, sending the manuscript to William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Burlington, and later the 7th Duke of Devonshire.

Administrative / Biographical History

The University of Copenhagen is the largest institution of research and education in Denmark, founded in 1479. In 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars, the British bombarded Copenhagen and most of the University buildings were destroyed. The new main building was inaugurated in 1836, though building work continued for the remainder of the century.

Access Information

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Acquisition Information

Transferred from the General Library in 1971.

Other Finding Aids

Collection level description.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

360 x 225mm

Archivist's Note

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Conditions Governing Use

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.

Custodial History

Possibly a gift of William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of the University of London from 1836-1856. Both items appear in the Catalogue of the Library of the University of London (1876), p. 201.