Robert Rait
Encyclopedia
Sir Robert Sangster Rait Kt.
CBE
DL
(1874–1936) was a Scottish historian, Historiographer Royal
and Principal of the University of Glasgow
.
, although the family moved shortly afterwards to Aberdeen
. He was educated at the University of Aberdeen
, graduating MA
in 1894. He then worked briefly as an assistant to the Professor of Logic at the University, publishing his first book, Universities of Aberdeen: A History, in 1895, before being elected to an Exhibition in Modern History at New College, Oxford
in 1896. He was awarded First Class Honours, won the Stanhope Prize
and was elected a Fellow of the College the same year. He worked as a lecturer at the College for three years, and in 1903 became a tutor.
at the University of Glasgow
, funded through the proceeds of the 1911 Scottish Exhibition of National History, Art, and Industry
, held in the adjacent Kelvingrove Park
. In this role he sought to engage more closely with students than was traditional for academics at the time, inviting students to tea at his home. From 1915-1918 during the First World War, Rait worked at the War Trade Intelligence Department in London, and was awarded a CBE in 1918. In 1919, he was appointed Historiographer Royal
of Scotland, also serving for a time as Dean of the Faculty of Arts in the University. He became a prominent figure in the intellectual and cultural life of the city, frequently contributing letters and articles to the Glasgow Herald
, often anonymously.
In 1929, Rait succeeded Sir Donald MacAlister
as Principal of the University
. In this role he sought continue the close relationship he had developed with students as a Professor, relocating the Principal's office to the Main Building of the University, where it remains today, making his time more freely available to students and staff, and frequently entertaining guests at the Principal's Lodging. He was an immensely popular figure with students. After being knighted in 1933, he was met on his return from London to Glasgow Central station
by hundreds of students and escorted to the University in a carriage drawn by Blues and led by the band of the OTC
.
The depression of the 1930s had a heavy effect on the University financially and on the Principal's health. In September 1935, he developed a serious illness, during which time he was largely unable to carry out his duties and was deputised at Court by the Rector, Sir Iain Colquhoun. He died at the Principal's Lodging on 25 May 1936.
and its relationship with England
, although he also completed biographies of Field Marshal Viscount Gough
and Field Marshal Sir Frederick Haines
.
Publications:
in London, the Glasgow Art Club
, the Western Club, Glasgow and the University Club, Edinburgh. His interests included walking, cycling and fishing.
Knight Bachelor
The rank of Knight Bachelor is a part of the British honours system. It is the most basic rank of a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not as a member of one of the organised Orders of Chivalry...
CBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
DL
Deputy Lieutenant
In the United Kingdom, a Deputy Lieutenant is one of several deputies to the Lord Lieutenant of a lieutenancy area; an English ceremonial county, Welsh preserved county, Scottish lieutenancy area, or Northern Irish county borough or county....
(1874–1936) was a Scottish historian, Historiographer Royal
Historiographer Royal
The Historiographer Royal is a member of the Royal household in Scotland. The office was created in 1681, and was in abeyance from 1709 until 1763 when it was revived for Principal William Robertson of Edinburgh University. The post, which now has no formal responsibilities or salary, is held by...
and Principal of the University of Glasgow
Principal of the University of Glasgow
The Principal of the University of Glasgow is the working head of the University, acting as its chief executive. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University as well as its strategic planning and administration. The Principal is appointed by the University Court and is...
.
Early life
Rait was born on 10 February 1874 in Narborough, LeicestershireNarborough, Leicestershire
Narborough is a village south of Leicester, England. It lies in the Blaby district of Leicestershire. Its name originally meant 'North Stronghold'.Surrounding villages include Enderby, Whetstone, Littlethorpe, Cosby, and Huncote.-Location:...
, although the family moved shortly afterwards to Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 25th most populous city, with an official population estimate of ....
. He was educated at the University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen, an ancient university founded in 1495, in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a British university. It is the third oldest university in Scotland, and the fifth oldest in the United Kingdom and wider English-speaking world...
, graduating MA
Master of Arts (Scotland)
A Master of Arts in Scotland can refer to an undergraduate academic degree in humanities and social sciences awarded by the ancient universities of Scotland – the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh, while the University of...
in 1894. He then worked briefly as an assistant to the Professor of Logic at the University, publishing his first book, Universities of Aberdeen: A History, in 1895, before being elected to an Exhibition in Modern History at New College, Oxford
New College, Oxford
New College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.- Overview :The College's official name, College of St Mary, is the same as that of the older Oriel College; hence, it has been referred to as the "New College of St Mary", and is now almost always...
in 1896. He was awarded First Class Honours, won the Stanhope Prize
Stanhope essay prize
The Stanhope essay prize was an undergraduate history essay prize created at Balliol College, Oxford by Philip Henry Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope in 1855.Notable winners include*Arthur Francis Leach * Charles Harding Firth , British historian...
and was elected a Fellow of the College the same year. He worked as a lecturer at the College for three years, and in 1903 became a tutor.
Glasgow
In 1913, Rait was appointed to the newly-created Chair in Scottish History and LiteratureProfessor of Scottish History and Literature, Glasgow
The Chair of Scottish History and Literature at the University of Glasgow was founded in 1913, endowed by a grant from the receipts of the 1911 Scottish Exhibition held in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park, as well as donations from the Merchants House of Glasgow and other donors. The Chair has been held...
at the University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, the university was founded in 1451 and is presently one of seventeen British higher education institutions ranked amongst the top 100 of the...
, funded through the proceeds of the 1911 Scottish Exhibition of National History, Art, and Industry
Scottish Exhibition of National History, Art and Industry
The Scottish Exhibition of National History, Art and Industry was the third of 4 international exhibitions held in Glasgow, Scotland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.-Summary:...
, held in the adjacent Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park
Kelvingrove Park is a public park located on the River Kelvin in the West End of the city of Glasgow, Scotland, containing the world-famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.-History:...
. In this role he sought to engage more closely with students than was traditional for academics at the time, inviting students to tea at his home. From 1915-1918 during the First World War, Rait worked at the War Trade Intelligence Department in London, and was awarded a CBE in 1918. In 1919, he was appointed Historiographer Royal
Historiographer Royal
The Historiographer Royal is a member of the Royal household in Scotland. The office was created in 1681, and was in abeyance from 1709 until 1763 when it was revived for Principal William Robertson of Edinburgh University. The post, which now has no formal responsibilities or salary, is held by...
of Scotland, also serving for a time as Dean of the Faculty of Arts in the University. He became a prominent figure in the intellectual and cultural life of the city, frequently contributing letters and articles to the Glasgow Herald
The Herald (Glasgow)
The Herald is a broadsheet newspaper published Monday to Saturday in Glasgow, and available throughout Scotland. As of August 2011 it had an audited circulation of 47,226, giving it a lead over Scotland's other 'quality' national daily, The Scotsman, published in Edinburgh.The 1889 to 1906 editions...
, often anonymously.
In 1929, Rait succeeded Sir Donald MacAlister
Donald MacAlister
Sir Donald MacAlister, 1st Baronet KCB was a physician, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor and, later, Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.- Early life :...
as Principal of the University
Principal of the University of Glasgow
The Principal of the University of Glasgow is the working head of the University, acting as its chief executive. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University as well as its strategic planning and administration. The Principal is appointed by the University Court and is...
. In this role he sought continue the close relationship he had developed with students as a Professor, relocating the Principal's office to the Main Building of the University, where it remains today, making his time more freely available to students and staff, and frequently entertaining guests at the Principal's Lodging. He was an immensely popular figure with students. After being knighted in 1933, he was met on his return from London to Glasgow Central station
Glasgow Central station
Glasgow Central is the larger of the two present main-line railway terminals in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. The station was opened by the Caledonian Railway on 31 July 1879 and is currently managed by Network Rail...
by hundreds of students and escorted to the University in a carriage drawn by Blues and led by the band of the OTC
Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps
Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps is one of nineteen University Officer Training Corps in the United Kingdom and one of four in Scotland, drawing recruits from higher education institutions in and around the city of Glasgow and the wider Strathclyde region in west-central...
.
The depression of the 1930s had a heavy effect on the University financially and on the Principal's health. In September 1935, he developed a serious illness, during which time he was largely unable to carry out his duties and was deputised at Court by the Rector, Sir Iain Colquhoun. He died at the Principal's Lodging on 25 May 1936.
Research
Rait's research generally maintained a Scottish focus, particularly with a reference to the politics of pre-Union ScotlandKingdom of Scotland
The Kingdom of Scotland was a Sovereign state in North-West Europe that existed from 843 until 1707. It occupied the northern third of the island of Great Britain and shared a land border to the south with the Kingdom of England...
and its relationship with England
Kingdom of England
The Kingdom of England was, from 927 to 1707, a sovereign state to the northwest of continental Europe. At its height, the Kingdom of England spanned the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and several smaller outlying islands; what today comprises the legal jurisdiction of England...
, although he also completed biographies of Field Marshal Viscount Gough
Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough
Field Marshal Sir Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough, KP, GCSI, KCB, PC , was an Irish British Army officer. He was said to have commanded in more general actions than any other British officer of the 19th century except the Duke of Wellington.- Early career :Born at Woodstown House, Co...
and Field Marshal Sir Frederick Haines
Frederick Haines
Field Marshal Sir Frederick Paul Haines, GCB, GCSI, CIE was a British army officer.-Military career:Haines was commissioned into the 4th Regiment of Foot in 1839. Haines served in the Crimean War and as the senior officer at the Battle of Inkerman in 1854 held the barrier for six hours...
.
Publications:
- Universities of Aberdeen; a History, 1895
- The Scottish Parliament, 1901
- Relations between England and Scotland, 1901
- Lusus Regius, unpublished writings of King James I, 1901 (ed.)
- Five Stuart Princesses, 1902
- Life and Campaigns of Field Marshal Viscount GoughHugh Gough, 1st Viscount GoughField Marshal Sir Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough, KP, GCSI, KCB, PC , was an Irish British Army officer. He was said to have commanded in more general actions than any other British officer of the 19th century except the Duke of Wellington.- Early career :Born at Woodstown House, Co...
, 1903 - Life of Field Marshal Sir Frederick Paul HainesFrederick HainesField Marshal Sir Frederick Paul Haines, GCB, GCSI, CIE was a British army officer.-Military career:Haines was commissioned into the 4th Regiment of Foot in 1839. Haines served in the Crimean War and as the senior officer at the Battle of Inkerman in 1854 held the barrier for six hours...
, 1911 - Scotland, in The Making of the Nations Series, 1911
- Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642–1660 (with Prof. Sir C. H. FirthCharles Harding FirthSir Charles Harding Firth was a British historian.Born in Sheffield, he was educated at Clifton College and at Balliol College, Oxford...
), 1911
- Life in the Mediæval University (Cambridge Manuals), 1912
- History of Scotland (Home University Library), 1914
- Thoughts on the Union between England and Scotland (with Professor A. V. DiceyA. V. Dicey- References :...
), 1920 - The Parliaments of Scotland, 1924
- Memorials of A. V. DiceyA. V. Dicey- References :...
, 1925 - Critical Moments in British History, 1925
- King James's Secret (with Annie I Cameron), 1927
- History of the Union Bank of Scotland, 1930
- Scotland (with G. S. Pryde), 1934
Personal life
Rait married Ruth Bridge in 1908, with whom he had two daughters. He was a member of the AthenæumAthenaeum Club, London
The Athenaeum Club, usually just referred to as the Athenaeum, is a notable London club with its Clubhouse located at 107 Pall Mall, London, England, at the corner of Waterloo Place....
in London, the Glasgow Art Club
Glasgow Art Club
Glasgow Art Club is a club for practicing and retired artists and lay members with an interest in the arts, that has become over the generations “a meeting place for artists, business leaders and academics.” - History and premises :...
, the Western Club, Glasgow and the University Club, Edinburgh. His interests included walking, cycling and fishing.