Deans Court

The main building of Deans Court has its origins in the twelfth century, when its vaulted core served as a section of the Archdeacon's manse.

A small armorial plaque, moved from its original site, bears the arms of James Haldenstone, Prior from 1418 to 1443.

Although most Priory lands were seized during the Reformation, Deans Court was saved by Sir George Douglas, an elder of the Parish Church who had helped Mary, Queen of Scots, escape from imprisonment at Loch Leven.

Douglas remodelled Deans Court around 1585, adding a round-arched foot-gate in the courtyard above which his coat of arms can still be seen (though severely weathered) and possibly extending the property to the west.

In the 17th century, at least a section of the building was home to the Scottish astronomer and mathematician James Gregory, who was Professor of Mathematics at the University from 1668 to 1674.

The building served as an annexe of St Leonards School for several years until 1930, when the property was acquired for the University by Sir James Irvine, and was heavily renovated over the subsequent two decades with funds received from ICI and The Carnegie Trust.

Irvine's vision for the hall being one where "guests would be brought to dine and conversation would flourish: a fertile environment for a cross-disciplinary community of scholars".

In 2017, the safety aspects of the game were called into question when one stray ball found its way into the dining hall after smashing through the window.

This infamous ball now resides in the common room in a display case, as a memento and source of inspiration for students to come.

Whenever it is sunny, students can often be found playing in the garden with the Deans Court croquet set.

This programme has been offered to honour the late Robert T. Jones, Jr., an internationally renowned golfer and Emory alumnus.

This is also an opportunity for the residents to showcase their talents, and it is not uncommon for pre- or post-dinner entertainment to occur.

and with the Latin Grace: Gloria Patri Filio Sprituique Sancto in saecula saeculorum.

These differ from the famous red undergraduate gown of the University, and are black with burgundy front folds.

Throughout the year, residents take advantage of the Deans Court gardens with various events accompanied by drinks, music, and games.

Deans Court as seen from North Street
The vaulted dining room
Shield representing deans court. A diagonal white cross divides the shield into four parts.
The shield of Deans Court hall of residence.
Two stone coats of arms, heavily worn from the weather.
Two coats of arms that can be found around Deans Court. On the left is that of George Douglas above the main gate, on the right that of the Stirling family above the entrance to the garden.
A wooden plaque that sits atop one of the doorways leading from the lobby detailing when Deans Court was opened as a postgraduate residence, with thanks to those who funded renovations. The text reads "In the year 1951 AD during the principalship of Sir James Colquhoun Irvine this house through the generosity of Imperial Chemical Industries and of The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland was converted into a residence for research students in The University of St Andrews"
A plaque that sits atop one of the doorways leading from the lobby detailing when Deans Court was opened as a postgraduate residence, with thanks to those who funded renovations.