Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230 students. Since then we have become one of the world's leading universities, carving out a reputation as an academic powerhouse where a clear focus on excellence has secured national and international recognition alongside longer established institutions.
"While petitions were drawn up as early as 1617, permission to establish a university in York was not granted until 1960. The development of the University and its vision was headed by Baron James of Rusholme, the university's first Vice-Chancellor.
With Heslington Hall and The King's Manor as the primary venues, the University opened its doors in October 1963 to 230 students and 28 staff.n 1964, work began to expand the University campus to the marshy land around Heslington Hall. The development included landscaped parkland with a central man-made lake, innovative covered walkways, and the many CLASP buildings seen around campus."
