Servitor
Encyclopedia
In certain universities
(including some colleges
of University of Oxford
and the University of Edinburgh
), a servitor was an undergraduate student who received free accommodation (and some free meals), and was exempted from paying fees for lectures. The term is still used in New College, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh where it refers to the staff who are responsible for patrolling, security, reception and are also on duty at formal occasions when their functions include carrying the mace and ushering.
At Oxford, servitors were originally expected to act as servants to the fellows of their college. By 1852 this requirement had largely fallen into disuse, and the term had been replaced (often by Clerk or Bible-clerk) at most colleges. The last recorded use of the term in Oxford was in 1867 (at Christ Church
; the following year the same people were called Exhibitioners).
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
(including some colleges
Colleges of the University of Oxford
The University of Oxford comprises 38 Colleges and 6 Permanent Private Halls of religious foundation. Colleges and PPHs are autonomous self-governing corporations within the university, and all teaching staff and students studying for a degree of the university must belong to one of the colleges...
of University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
and the University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university...
), a servitor was an undergraduate student who received free accommodation (and some free meals), and was exempted from paying fees for lectures. The term is still used in New College, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh where it refers to the staff who are responsible for patrolling, security, reception and are also on duty at formal occasions when their functions include carrying the mace and ushering.
At Oxford, servitors were originally expected to act as servants to the fellows of their college. By 1852 this requirement had largely fallen into disuse, and the term had been replaced (often by Clerk or Bible-clerk) at most colleges. The last recorded use of the term in Oxford was in 1867 (at Christ Church
Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
; the following year the same people were called Exhibitioners).