University of King's College

The University of King's College is a post-secondary institution in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. King's is a small university offering only undergraduate programmes. It is affiliated with Dalhousie University, sitting in the northwestern corner of Dalhousie's campus. King's main program is a "foundation year" (FYP) for first year students, in which they read famous works from throughout history. Other programmes for upper year students include a journalism programme and several other "interdisciplinary" offerings.

Early Years at Windsor

Canada's oldest chartered university was founded in 1789 in Windsor, Nova Scotia by a group of United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, led by Bishop Charles Inglis. (There had been a King's College in New York, which after the Revolution became Columbia University; whether there is a historical connection between the two is a matter of debate). The Windsor campus was granted a Royal Charter by King George III in 1802. It is now the oldest English-speaking university in the British Commonwealth outside Britain.

Related Topics:
1789 - Windsor - Nova Scotia - United Empire Loyalists - American Revolution - Charles Inglis - King's College in New York - Columbia University - King George III

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It is asserted by locals that students at King's invented hockey circa 1800; a similar game developed, perhaps independently, in Quebec a few years later, and has led to occasional misattributions of the sport's history.

Related Topics:
Hockey - 1800

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During the 19th century all students were required to take oaths confirming their devotion to the Anglican Church. The university hardly kept enrolment above a dozen. Eventually this requirement was dropped.

Related Topics:
19th century - Anglican Church

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On February 3rd, 1920, "children playing with matches" (the exact cause is unknown) set fire to the buildings, and because the fire hydrants were frozen the blaze could not be put out. The buildings burned down, and for two years classes were held in the woods.

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