A history of St Andrews University Six hundred years old, aware of its past, but facing forward, the University of St Andrews remains distinct. Now, more than ever throughout its long, sometimes troubled and often distinguished history, the University invites the highest objective: 'ever to excel'. Norman H. Reid uses the University's own rich archival holdings to introduce the reader to the vibrant and often turbulent 600-year story of the University and its town, set in the wider historical contexts of society, religion, politics and intellectual thought.