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King's College: Part of Durham's story

Durham's story is one of tradition, transformation and community. For nearly two centuries, generations of students have helped shape the University into what it is today, each leaving their own mark on its colleges, culture and history.

King's College forms an important chapter in that story. Established in Newcastle in 1937 as part of Durham University, it built on a much longer tradition of education in the city. For more than 25 years, King's students were part of the wider Durham community before Newcastle became an independent university in 1963.

While institutions evolved and new identities emerged, student life remained at the heart of the university experience. Friendships were formed, societies flourished, academic passions developed, and memories were made that have lasted a lifetime. The stories, traditions and shared experiences of King's students continue to be an important part of Durham's heritage.

Some of those memories live on in the University archives. Among them are issues of Rag Pie, an annual satirical publication created by King's College medical students. Featuring cartoons, photographs, accounts of Rag Week activities and light-hearted reflections on student life, it captures the humour, creativity and community spirit that were such a memorable part of the King's experience.

Today, Durham continues to evolve, but its foundations remain rooted in the people and places that have defined its past. Through the memories, photographs and reflections shared by King's alumni, we celebrate a unique period in the University's history and the lasting connections that continue to bring this community together.

 

Hear from King's College alumni

Every alumnus has their own story to tell. Explore the memories, reflections and experiences shared by fellow King's College alumni, and discover a fascinating snapshot of student life from a different era.

 

 

Ian Kenyon

Chemistry, Class of 1964

Dr David Rees

Dentistry, Class of 1962
alum graduating 1962

Michael Baker

Geography, Class of 1958
Kings college alum and friend 1950s

Dr Leslie Scarth

Medicine, Class of 1964

Leslie Woodhall

French & German, Class of 1963

Patricia Peacock

General Arts, Class of 1960

Robert 'Geoffrey' Chaytor

Medicine, Class of 1944
kings college alum selfie

Patricia Hussey

General Arts, Class of 1954
Kings college students dancing

Roy Springett

Civil Engineering, Class of 1962
roy springett kings 570x330

Geoffrey Williams

Classics, Class of 1961
Students in Classics classroom

Edward Barbeau

Mathematics, Class of 1965
Outside shot of Durham University's Maths Building

Donald Mertens

Medicine, 1959 - 1963
River Wear in Durham

Antoni Śliwiński

Physics, 1959 - 1962
kings college alum in 2024

Peter Wyllie

Civil Engineering, 1959 - 1963
Photo of the Christopherson building at Durham University

John Turnbull

Engineering, 1958 - 1961
Front aspect of the Bill Bryson Library building

Victor Petch

Electronics, 1958 - 1961
Durham city

Anthony Molland

Naval Architecture, 1960 - 1964
kings college alumni 1964

Hazel Birchall

1960 - 1963
A picture of a street in Durham City

David Porter

Chemistry & Physics, 1961 - 1964
Durham Castle

Peter Hardy

Geography, 1962 - 1966
Geography research map