Edinburgh

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University Introduction
Edinburgh.bmp
University: 
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Address: 
Old College South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL
Contact number: 
+44 (0)131 650 1000
Brief history: 

The founding of the University is attributed to Bishop Robert Reid of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney, who left the funds on his death in 1558 that ultimately provided the University's endowment. The University was established by a Royal Charter granted by James VI in 1582, becoming the fourth Scottish university at a time when more populous neighbour England had only two.

By the 18th century Edinburgh was a leading centre of the European Enlightenment (see Scottish Enlightenment) and became one of the continent's principal universities.